Annette Barfield was named the 26th recipient of the J.W. Fanning Humanitarian of the Year Award and Katie Calkin received the Shelby Lacy Award at the Pillar Society Reception recently hosted by the Athens Regional Foundation. 

The J.W. Fanning Award recognizes individuals who have high personal values in their own life, while making significant contributions to Athens Regional through their time, interest, and commitment to the medical center and the community it serves.

Mrs. Barfield is a registered nurse and retired from Bell South. She has served as a member of the Athens Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, donating over 2,600 hours of service in various roles ranging from Board member to President. She is also a volunteer with St. Mary’s Hospice, has served as a board member for the Athens Community Council on Aging, is a Master Gardner, an active member of the Ten-O Gymnastics Booster Club, a volunteer with Interfaith Hospitality Network, a member of the Athens Symphony Board, and a very active member at First Baptist Church of Athens.

Mrs. Katie Calkin was named the recipient of the Shelby Lacy Award.  The award recognizes an Athens Regional Health System employee who has made unselfish and significant contributions of time and talent to the community in which he or she lives and works.  

Mrs. Calkin is a Health Education Specialist at ARMC and holds a Master’s degree in Public Health, and obtained the Masters level of Certified Health Education Specialist while working at Athens Regional.

Mrs. Calkin has been the chair of the Adult Education committee at Oconee Street United Methodist Church for many years. In that role, she expanded the adult Sunday School programs and helped coordinate the ‘University of Faith’ program. She is currently leading a Saturday morning meditation group. 

In addition to her work at her church, she volunteers with Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens. For over 5 years, she has volunteered at her daughter’s school, Barnett Shoals Elementary, and has co-chaired the ‘Fun Run,’ the PTO’s largest fundraiser. She has served on the Barnett Shoals School Council and is currently serving as the PTO secretary.

The Athens Regional Foundation is honored to remember Dr. Fanning’s legacy of leadership and community empowerment and recognize the continual spirit of service exhibited by Ms. Lacy.