On August 26, the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) hosted the 2025 Richard Caswell Award Ceremony, honoring eight individuals for their extraordinary commitment to public service. Collectively, these honorees represented 360 years of service to the people of North Carolina.
In an era when careers often span multiple industries, these state employees stood out for their commitment to long-term public service.
Their stories were as diverse as the agencies they served, from transportation and public safety to health and information technology, but each shared a common thread: steadfast dedication to creating a stronger and safer North Carolina.
The award’s namesake, Richard Caswell, set the tone for this kind of legacy more than two centuries ago. From serving as Orange County’s first clerk of court, to commanding troops in the Revolutionary War, and twice holding the Office of North Carolina Governor, Caswell believed in building systems and communities that would endure. That same spirit was reflected in this year’s honorees.
Photo (L to R): Caswell Award recipients Mike Cabaniss, Jerry McKoy, Mark Cooke, Lorelle Walker, Carol Price, Sharon Davis, Lee Futrelle, and Gregory Richardson stand for the U.S. national anthem at the 2025 Richard Caswell Award Ceremony. Photo credit: OSHR.
The 2025 Richard Caswell Award recipients were:
- Mike Cabaniss, Equipment Area Superintendent, Department of Transportation
- Mark Cooke, Director of Network and Telephony Engineering, Department of Information Technology
- Sharon Davis, Early Intervention Service Coordinator, Department of Health and Human Services
- Lee Futrelle, Psychological Program Manager, Department of Adult Correction
- Gerry McKoy, Court Counselor Supervisor, Juvenile Justice Division, Department of Public Safety
- Carol Price, Administrative Specialist, Disability Determination Services, DHHS
- Gregory Richardson, Executive Director, Commission of Indian Affairs, Department of Administration
- Lorelle Walker, Workers’ Compensation Administrator, DHHS
Photo: Photos from the 2025 Caswell Award Ceremony welcome, ceremony, and reception. (Lee Futrelle, Tamara Hill, Mike Cabiness, Staci Meyer, Joey Hopkins, Gregory Richardson, and Lauren Johnson.) Photo credit: OSHR.
Though the tools, policies, and challenges of public service evolved over the decades, these employees’ commitment to service remained constant.
Administered by OSHR with guidance from the Employee Recognition Committee, the Caswell Award has long stood as more than just a milestone. This year’s celebration served as a powerful reminder that long-term public service is not only possible but deeply valued.