Carter County Long-Term Recovery chair receives Governor's Volunteer Award

ELIZABETHTON — The leader of the Carter County Long-Term Recovery Group has been awarded the Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. Travis Tyler, chairman of the board of the Carter County Long-Term Recovery Group, was recognized for exceptional service and dedication to the community recovery efforts. The award honors individuals across Tennessee who demonstrate outstanding commitment to serving their communities. In addition to serving as chairman of the board of the Long-Term Recovery Group, Tyler serves as pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Elizabethton. He has been praised for playing a leadership role in coordinating long-term disaster recovery efforts, brining together nonprofits, faith-based organizations, local government, and volunteers to support families rebuilding after disaster. The press release announcing Tyler's receipt of the Governor's Volunteer Stars Award said that under his leadership, the Carter County Long-Term Recovery Group "has strengthened collaboration across the county, mobilized critical resources, and helped ensure that vulnerable residents receive the support needed to recover and rebuild. Through tireless advocacy and hands-on service, he has helped guide the organization's mission to address unmet needs and promote equitable recovery throughout Carter County." Leya Martinez, executive director of the Carter County Long-Term Recovery Group said "Travis Tyler's leadership reflects a true spirit of volunteerism. His car for his community and dedication to restoration has been pivotal in the recovery efforts. In the hours and days after Helene, Travis was going door to door, coordinating disaster relief efforts out of his church, Grace Baptist, and bringing partners together. We are eternally grateful for his sacrifice to see survivors helped."