David Hyman - Volunteer of the Year Award 2023

Named after one of our founders, the David Hyman Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant, extraordinary contribution to the success of our agency during the course of the year. It is not for a one-time challenge/issue, but rather is for someone who has consistently served as an advocate and friend to the agency. That person this year is Michael McCormac (seen below being presented the award by — left to right — Program Administrator Liz Werner, Casework Manager Colleen High, Casework Manager Crystal Almanzar, and Administrative Assistant Brittany Dempsey).

Michael has been Board President for the last two years — a busy tenure, as the agency continued its post-COVID rebuild efforts; efforts which resulted in our agency matching over 100 Littles one-on-one in 2023. His tenure also included the biggest changes to our Standards and policies in nearly 10 years; paying off our mortgage & setting the agency up to be debt-free by mid-2024; and more.

As Board President, Michael serves on all standing committees — but has shined as our Building Committee Chair. As Chair of the Building Committee, Michael has been at the forefront of a number of capital improvements made to our facilities ensuring that our buildings are safe for our staff & program participants and in good working order. And it’s not just the big stuff, because we’ve often seen Michael during his off-days out our window blowing leaves or fixing this & that at the agency.

Always available when needed, Michael’s experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters actually pre-dates when he started volunteering for us about 10 years ago. Michael contacted Executive Director Jim Smith immediately upon moving to Berks County from Ohio, where he previously served on a BBBS Board of Directors there.

Congratulations, Michael McCormac…our 2023 David Hyman Volunteer of the Year!