WASHINGTON, March 15, 2004—William D. Workman III, former mayor of Greenville, South Carolina, is the 2004 recipient of the John D. Whisman Vision Award, presented by the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) at its annual conference in Arlington, Virginia.

Over 300 local development officials representing 72 economic planning and development districts in Appalachia attended the conference, held March 14–16.

The DDAA presents the John D. Whisman Vision Award each year to an individual who has provided exemplary service and leadership in Appalachia and demonstrated a commitment to the ideals of state and federal cooperation.

In addition to serving as mayor of Greenville from 1983 to 1995, Workman served as executive assistant to South Carolina governor James B. Edwards and acted as the governor's alternate to the Appalachian Regional Commission during the mid 1970s. During this period, he was instrumental in setting up regional health districts, both in the Appalachian region of South Carolina and throughout the state. He served as vice chairman and chairman of the S.C. Appalachian Health Council from 1972 through 1975. In his position as adviser to Governor Edwards, he supported the state’s regional councils as those organizations sought to increase their sphere of influence by participating in the growing number of federal categorical grant programs.

Workman was honored for the contributions he made as a champion for regional planning and development throughout his career. The award cited him for “strong leadership and vision as the mayor of Greenville” and noted that his ongoing commitment and dedication “in both the public and private sectors have truly had a positive and meaningful impact in support of the Appalachian Region and its people.”

Established in 1976 by the executive directors of Appalachia’s local development districts, the DDAA provides professional and technical training opportunities for local economic development officials and community leaders; directs an annual best-practices conference; and promotes improved communication and quality of service throughout the Appalachian Region.