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The Jackson Awards were first given in 2006 to honor individuals in our community who exemplify the truest qualities of a leader. The awards are named after President Andrew Jackson, our city's namesake, and presented to individuals who have served as leaders in one of the following areas: The Arts, Education, Healthcare, Leadership, Volunteer Service, and Youth. The award recipients will be honored at the Community Foundation of West Tennessee's annual Charity Gala on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in downtown Jackson.
Stedman Roebuck is a gifted musician and leader in Jackson's arts community. He is a proud product of Jackson-Madison County School System, having attended Denmark Elementary School, West Middle School, and Jackson Central-Merry High School, where he graduated in 2007. He also attended Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis.
Stedman's love for music began at the age of one. As a child, he was always pretending to play the drums, keeping rhythm with his right knee. By the age of three, he was actually playing the drums, and by five, he was singing in the youth choir at Unity Temple COGIC.
A creative child, Stedman also displayed his artistry through drawing and composing humorous songs. He played percussion in the West Middle School band and was a vocalist in Jackson Central-Merry High School's Honors Chorus. At age twelve, he began organ training under the tutelage of Pastor Tony Northern and quickly thrived, becoming the first church organist at Agape Christian Fellowship Church.
During his junior year of high school, Stedman joined the music ministry at the Citadel of Deliverance COGIC in Memphis, where he honed his musical and leadership skills. This period also launched his career playing for various gospel artists and choirs, including Donte’ Everhart & the End Time Movement, Kevin Davidson and the Voices, Karlos Nichols, and Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis. He has since shared his gifts locally in Jackson, Memphis, and Nashville, and nationally with gospel recording artist Maranda Curtis and others.
Throughout his travels and experiences, Stedman's heart remains in Jackson. He is dedicated to his craft and works to ensure Jackson receives the notoriety it deserves. He has served in the music ministries of The Historic First Baptist Church of Jackson and currently serves at Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi. In 2019, he created the Hub City Mass Choir, which includes members from 20 churches.
Stedman is the proud father of three children: Chancellor Mason Roebuck, Stedman Roebuck, II, and Harlem Elizabeth Reign Roebuck. A man who loves God and people, he brings joy to those around him and always encourages others to strive for excellence and reach their fullest potential.
Jack Wood has been a dedicated anchor in the Jackson-Madison County Public Library's mission for nearly four decades, serving the community as the first full-time manager of the Tennessee Room genealogy and local history collection. Moving to Jackson 39 years ago to accept this vital role, Jack has indelibly shaped how West Tennesseans connect with their past. Though now semi-retired, he continues to share his passion and expertise part-time in the department he helped build.
For 36 years, Jack was the driving force behind the Tennessee Room's growth and development. He not only maintained and developed the vast collection—including books, periodicals, microfilm, and archival material—but also promoted its value through presentations, media coverage, and interaction with other institutions. Over his tenure, he was responsible for designing the floor plan and physical appearance of the facility during two periods of significant expansion (1994-95 and 2003). His collection development philosophy was always guided by a desire to provide diverse formats and ensure personal assistance was a fundamental concept of service for the staff.
Jack's dedication to his field has garnered significant recognition, including the 2016 Dyersburg State Community College Outstanding Alumni Award and the 2024 John H. Thweat Archival Advancement Award. As a scholar and historian, Jack believes that history is a valuable tool for learning critical thinking and that it is important to encourage young minds to be curious and ask questions about everything.
Beyond the library, Jack is a committed civic servant and community volunteer. He currently serves on the Madison County Public Records Commission and the Jackson Historic Zoning Commission. For over 13 years, he and his wife, Jackie, have certified their Cairn Terriers as therapy dogs, visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and schools as part of Maggie & Friends Therapy Dogs. His love for history extends to his extracurricular life as well, having participated in Civil War reenactments for over nine years, enjoying muzzleloading clubs, and now cheering on his Cairn Terrier at FastCAT lure chasing events.
Jack's tireless efforts in the Tennessee Room, through collection development, instruction, and information sharing, have served as a catalyst, helping countless others find answers and discover new possibilities in their quest for genealogical and historical truths.
Ron Kwasigroh is a proven leader in the healthcare industry with a career defined by his commitment to serving individuals with special needs and their families. His life of service is rooted in a guiding principle: "to whom much is given, much is required." This truth, cultivated from a heart of empathy, has been the driving force behind his lifelong advocacy for equal opportunities for all.
Ron graduated from Humboldt High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Business from Union University, later completing his MBA there. His passion for service was ignited during his time at Union, where he ministered to the homeless and worked with disadvantaged youth in inner-city Detroit. Following college, Ron worked with at-risk children and youth at Youth Villages in Memphis before returning to Jackson in 1992 to continue his work with children removed from their homes. In 1995, he was named Executive Director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Madison County.
Ron began his career at West Tennessee Healthcare in 1997 and, in 1999, assumed the role of Director of the Therapy & Learning Center(TLC). Under his leadership, the center, formerly known as the Kiwanis Center for Child Development and the West Tennessee Cerebral Palsy Association, has become a cornerstone of support for families throughout West Tennessee. Ron helped spearhead the region's first Special Olympics Equine Competition and has been instrumental in organizing the annual I Can Tri triathlon, which promotes an inclusive spirit of community for all participants. He also helped establish Gabriel's Garden in 2006, the first special needs playground in Jackson.
His commitment to community is extensive. A 2008 graduate of Leadership Jackson, Ron has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jackson since 1994, where he has served as both president and board member. He has volunteered with various community initiatives, including Celebrate Recovery, Union University's Edge Program, and the Racing So They Can Ride 5K committee, which has raised over $450,000 for the Reinbow Riding Academy.
Ron is an active member of West Jackson Baptist Church, where he has served in various teaching roles and has been involved in the Hartland Place Apartment Ministry and the Shine program, which serves children and young adults with special needs. He has also participated in short-term mission trips to Bolivia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Ethiopia. Ron has been married to his wife, Catherine, for 35 years, and they have two daughters, Sydney and Kaleigh. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, fishing, golfing, and spending quality time with his family.
Gail Gustafson is a dedicated leader whose passion for service has been a constant in her career. After a 13-year career as a registered nurse, Gail discovered an interest for marketing and broadcasting. She began her work in Jackson with Grace Broadcasting, where she has been a fixture in the local radio industry for over two decades. She continues to serve clients at Victory 93.7, where the people she works with are considered family.
Gail's deep commitment to service led her to join the board of the Dream Center in 2005. In 2008, she stepped into the role of Executive Director. Under her leadership, the Dream Center has become a lifeline for women, children, and families in need, and in November 2023, she oversaw the organization's move into a new facility on Oil Well Road.
Gail’s community involvement is extensive. She is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Jackson, where she led a project to create an outdoor sitting area for Eden. She has been involved with organizations such as Relay for Life and 100 Women Who Care and has actively participated in initiatives like Food for the Hungry and homeless outreach. She is a recipient of numerous accolades, including the David Hallock Award, the Jewel Award from Mother Liberty Church, and the Sterling Award. Under her leadership, the Dream Center has been recognized as Nonprofit of the Year twice.
Gail finds great joy in being a part of so many people's stories and witnessing the lives of women and their families change. She is married to David Gustafson, and they recently celebrated 27 years of marriage. They share their home with two spoiled long-haired dachshunds, Brutus and Annie. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, cooking, reading, and studying the Bible.
A lifelong resident of the Jackson area, Heath Williams has dedicated his career and personal life to volunteer service. For 19 years, he has been a pillar at George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, where he serves as Office Manager, Community Outreach Specialist, Sarbanes-Oxley Auditor, and systems trainer. In addition to his professional roles, Heath is a certified kickboxing instructor at Arrow Athletics, a passion that allows him to connect with the community in a different way.
Heath's commitment to Jackson spans a variety of organizations. Since 2006, he has been a dedicated Ambassador (Red Coat) with the Greater Jackson Chamber and a long-standing member of the Jackson Exchange Club. One of his longest commitments has been with the Circles of Hope Telethon, where he has chaired the Hospitality Room for 19 years and most recently served as the Chair for the 42nd Annual Telethon, raising crucial funds for the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
He is also a founding board member of Jackson TN Pride and its scholarship program, an initiative that is incredibly meaningful to him and reflects his commitment to inclusion, support, and growth for the LGBTQ+ community. Heath has contributed to numerous other events and organizations, including Flags of Freedom, Toast of Jackson, the Ayers Children’s Medical Center Advisory Board, and the Jackson Symphony's Development Advisory Board.
Heath's dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2011 and 2019,he received the Living the Brand Award and the Service Excellence Award from Service Corporation International (SCI). In 2014, he was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Greater Jackson Chamber.
In his free time, Heath enjoys staying active with kickboxing, zip lining, hiking, kayaking, and weightlifting. He cherishes spending time with family and friends, making lifelong memories through weekend trips, vacations, or simply hanging out. His focus has always been on building a stronger, more connected community through service and leadership.
KaBao McCarver is a dedicated leader whose passion for inspiring and mentoring youth has left an indelible mark on our community. Born in Laos and raised in Denver, Colorado, she has now called Tennessee home for over 30 years. As a dedicated homeschool mother, she has been instrumental in organizing events for the homeschool community, including proms, graduations, and sports teams. Her ability to connect communities is demonstrated by her co-founding of the Jackson Homeschoolers Facebook page, which serves as a vital resource for local home educators.
KaBao’s deepest passion lies in helping students who are often overlooked find the courage to pursue their dreams. This advocacy began with her own five sons and quickly extended to include all children on the journey. Her work has had a tremendous impact on the community, especially through her long-standing involvement with 4-H and the Chicken Shack at the West Tennessee State Fair, where funds raised help send students to the State Capital.
Her commitment to fostering STEM education is unparalleled. Through her work with Jackson Area Robotics, KaBao has helped create a sustainable and inclusive environment where students can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Her mentorship has been pivotal to the team's success, which includes a historic victory as the VEX Robotics High School World Champions in 2025. They were the first team from Tennessee to ever win the title at any grade level.
KaBao's dedication has earned her significant recognition, including being inducted into the International STEM Hall of Fame as an All-Star Inspiration. In 2024, she received the West Tennessee Community Champion Award. She was also named the VEX Robotics Tennessee State Championship Volunteer of the Year in 2023 and the National Speedway Signature Event Volunteer of the Year in 2022.
In her free time, she enjoys cooking for loved ones and capturing moments with her camera. KaBao is married to Kenneth McCarver, a Jackson native, and together they are proud of their five sons.
In response to the devastating weather events on April 2, 2025, into April 3, 2025, the Community Foundation of West Tennessee has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to support residents and areas affected by the storms.
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A vital piece of our mission at the Community Foundation of West Tennessee is the annual funds we provide to assist individuals in need. In 2023, a grant from our organization helped pay the remaining balance for Caleb Beebe's service dog, Brody.
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After an F4 tornado devastated Jackson in May 2003, the Community Foundation organized the Storm Aid Concert, featuring Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Darryl Worley. These fundraising efforts brought in $600,000 to help with disaster relief for our friends and neighbors.
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