West Sacramento, California — Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) will present Paul Boyer with the William French Award for his lifetime achievements in rural community development. RCAC’s Board of Directors will present the award at a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 4 pm Pacific Time.
Mr. Boyer was Self-Help Enterprise’s Program Director, Community Development (water), and worked for the Visalia nonprofit organization for 43 years. During that time, his leadership impacted more than 60 disadvantaged, rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley as he helped them to secure funding for more than 70 water and sewer projects.
“Communities that lack critical infrastructure face economic, safety and health challenges,” said Suzanne Anarde, RCAC Chief Executive Officer. “Paul Boyer’s lifelong dedication to ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation for disadvantaged rural communities left a lasting effect in the San Joaquin Valley.”
RCAC’s board of directors created the William French Award in 2007 to honor the life work of William (Bill) French, RCAC’s CEO for its first 30 years. Bill French received the first award, which honored Bill’s ability to start, grow and sustain an institution that has had significant impact on rural communities.
RCAC gives the award every two years to honor rural individuals who demonstrate lifetime achievements of leadership in rural development, building and sustaining an organization that benefits rural communities, and community leadership that has a regional impact.
About RCAC
Founded in 1978, RCAC provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions. RCAC serves rural communities in 13 western states and western Pacific islands. Services are available to communities with populations of fewer than 50,000, other nonprofit groups, Tribal organizations, farmworkers, colonias and other specific populations. RCAC staff provides direct services in program areas including affordable housing, environmental services, economic development and lending. About RCAC
Media contact:
Julia Helmreich, director
Communications, Development & Events
(916) 529-7563
jhelmreich@rcac.org
