Latest news with #DirectoroftheYearAward
South Wales Argus
15-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Recruitment director wins prestigious national award
Acorn by Synergie's Bernard Ward was awarded the Director of the Year Award for Medium to Large Business at the Institute of Directors (IoD) Director of the Year Awards. The annual ceremony took place on Friday, May 9, at the ICC Wales in Newport, celebrating exceptional leadership across the UK's business landscape. The IoD Director of the Year Awards recognises the achievements of outstanding business leaders who have demonstrated remarkable contributions in areas such as innovation, sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion, among others. Since joining Acorn by Synergie in July 2021, Mr Ward has played a pivotal role in evolving the company from its origins as a local recruiter into a multi-specialist recruitment agency operating across the UK. Under his leadership, Acorn has remained firmly rooted in its core values of customer-first, accountability, effective communication, respect, and empowerment. Mr Ward's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce has made these principles a cornerstone of Acorn's strategic direction. His leadership has also seen the launch of Acorn Impact, an initiative designed to enhance social mobility and address inequalities in local communities. Through this programme, Acorn provides clients and candidates with resources, training, and support. Speaking on his award win, Mr Ward said: "I'm incredibly honoured to receive the Director of the Year Award. "This recognition is a testament to the amazing work being done by everyone at Acorn by Synergie. "Together, we've worked hard to create a culture rooted in inclusivity, support, and opportunity. "I look forward to continuing this journey and helping Acorn grow while making a real difference in the communities we serve." Gareth Jarman, head judge of the Wales Director of the Year Awards, founder and director of Gentium International, and regional chair of Mid Wales at IoD Wales, said: "Bernard is a highly engaging leader whose approach reflects a deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with directorship. "His dedication to social responsibility - supporting the community and creating meaningful opportunities for society - is a defining aspect of his leadership."
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kannapolis City Council renames street after local educator, leader
The Kannapolis City Council renamed East C Street after a local educator and leader who worked toward the integration of Kannapolis schools. The newly renamed Milton Taylor Street serves to honor the legacy of the late Milton Taylor. The city said it hoped the renaming would ensure future generations would remember Taylor's dedication and support across the city. Taylor earned a bachelor's and master's degree and then began working in Rowan and Cabarrus counties, starting as a teacher and a coach, according to the city. In 1965, he became the first African American principal of George Washington Carver School, now known as Kannapolis Middle School. READ: Asheville artists find new home after Helene Officials said Taylor played a significant role in the integration of Kannapolis schools. He valued inclusivity, with a focus on student-centered learning. City officials said Taylor believed 'one of the best ways to get to know children is to do things with them.' Taylor was honored as teacher of the year in Kannapolis while he served and received a presidential citation from North Carolina A & T State. And officials said his impact didn't stop there. He was one of the founding members of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network, the city said. Taylor served as president of the Cannon Memorial YMCA and Kannapolis Rotary Club. He also served on the boards of the Cabarrus County Red Cross, the Bible Teaching Association, the Cabarrus County Meals on Wheels, Cabarrus Helpline Inc., Kannapolis Crime Stopers Barber-Scotia College Unit of the United Negro College Fund, and more. He received a number of accolades and awards, including the United Negro College Fund's Distinguished Service Award, the Association of Citizen's Educator of the Year Award, the YMCA Southeastern Distinguished Service Award, the Cannon Memorial YMCA Board's Director of the Year Award, the Distinguished Rotarian Award and induction into the Kannapolis African American Museum and Cultural Center Legacy Hall of Fame. Taylor also served as a trustee for Sandy Ride AME Zion Church and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. WATCH: Asheville artists find new home after Helene
