Recognizing McCray Benson

Floor Speech

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Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. McCray Benson as he concludes his distinguished tenure as President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Henderson County, marking more than two decades of extraordinary and selfless service to the people of Hendersonville.

Mr. Benson earned his master's degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has devoted his life's work to public and nonprofit service since 1977. His commitment to strengthening communities led him to Henderson County through his role with the Foundation for the Carolinas, where he served as Senior Vice President of Community Affiliates, supporting a broad region stretching from Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

During his remarkable tenure at CFHC, Mr. Benson helped triple the foundation's core assets and ensured those resources were invested directly back into the community. He built an exceptional professional staff and sustained a board of directors whose leadership has been central to the foundation's success. Under his guidance, new nonprofit organizations were launched, key mergers strengthened collaboration across Western North Carolina, and the foundation emerged as a driving force in empowering and uplifting the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mr. Benson's career defined by vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the people of Henderson County and the State of North Carolina. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my deepest gratitude to McCray and offer my heartfelt best wishes as he enters a well-earned and fulfilling retirement.

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