John Taylor Service Excellence Award Recipients

March 23, 2026

Please join us in congratulating the 2025 recipients of the John Taylor Service Excellence Award: Shelby Maes and Jarrod Adams! These outstanding Evergreen Life Services team members shine as true ambassadors of our mission to serve, provide for, and champion individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD).
At Evergreen Life Services, our mission drives everything we do, and Shelby and Jarrod exemplify what it means to go above and beyond. Their hard work, compassion, and leadership make a difference for the individuals and families we serve, and we couldn’t be more proud!

Program Staff Recipient: Shelby Maes

Shelby Maes, Program Supervisor in the North Central Texas Division, has dedicated eight years to creating vibrant, empowering experiences for individuals with I/DD.
Shelby’s achievements include:
• Launching the horticulture program in Dallas, Texas
• Enhancing day programs in Bowie, Texas
• Co-directing Kamp Keeter in Hawkins, Texas
Her advocacy goes beyond programming. Shelby helps individuals access respectful healthcare, supports Medicaid benefits, and celebrates meaningful family moments. Her dedication exemplifies Evergreen’s mission and sets a remarkable example for colleagues and peers.

Image from John Taylor Awards (L-R) Dr. Sue Buchholtz, President/CEO; Linda Bailey, Regional Vice President, Western Region; Shelby Maes, Program Coordinator, North Central Texas Division; and Karen Towery, State Executive Director, Texas

(L-R) Dr. Sue Buchholtz, President/CEO; Linda Bailey, Regional Vice President, Western Region; Shelby Maes, Program Coordinator, North Central Texas Division; and Karen Towery, State Executive Director, Texas

Administrative/Management Staff Recipient: Jarrod Adams

With nine years of service, Jarrod Adams, Regional Vice President for the Eastern Region, demonstrates visionary leadership, collaboration, and service excellence. His region spans Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida, and his impact extends across the entire organization.
Jarrod’s contributions include:
• Developing and expanding the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) youth program
• Advocating for Evergreen’s foster care program for children with I/DD
• Implementing Therap to improve service delivery
• Strengthening partnerships with DCS, Division of Developmental Disabilities, and Managed Care Organizations
In 2024, Jarrod served as President of the Tennessee Community Organizations Board, advocating for the individuals we serve in legislative and professional spaces. Known as a lifelong learner and mentor, Jarrod approaches every challenge with integrity and heart.

Image from John Taylor Awards (L-R) Jarrod Adams, Regional Vice President, Eastern Division, and Dr. Sue Buchholtz, President/CEO

(L-R) Jarrod Adams, Regional Vice President, Eastern Division, and Dr. Sue Buchholtz, President/CEO

Honoring the Legacy of John Taylor

The John Taylor Service Excellence Award honors the legacy of John Taylor, Evergreen’s fourth President and CEO, who devoted his life to supporting individuals with I/DD. Each year, two employees are recognized, one representing program staff and one representing administrative/management staff, highlighting excellence across the organization.

Past Award Recipients

Evergreen Life Services proudly celebrates past recipients:
2013 – Sharon Gomez
2014 – Gwendolyn Roan and Pam Ivy
2015 – Linda Bailey and DeShown Beasley
2016 – Doug Ryland and Linda Williams
2017 – Wyndi Patterson and Michael Johnson
2018 – Karen Towery and Linda Steward
2019 – Katie Conner and Lucky Evans
2020 – Kim Fincanon and Wendy Deville
2021 – Dawn Campbell and Jessica Larkins
2022 – Lisa Booze, Cheryl Becnel, and Emma Thompson
2023 – Teresa Berry and Joy Lee
2024 – Jerrie Massie and Yvonne Miller-Nixon

Recognition & Celebration

Shelby and Jarrod were formally honored at the annual board meetings in Florida on March 5, 2026. They were presented with commemorative plaques and a monetary award in recognition of their outstanding contributions. Their names will also be added to the permanent plaque displayed at Evergreen’s Corporate Office in Haughton, Louisiana, alongside past winners.

Thank You to Our Evergreen Team

To every member of the Evergreen Life Services family, thank you! Your passion, creativity, and dedication are the heartbeat of this organization. Whether you’re supporting individuals directly, leading teams, or championing new programs, your work matters.
Let Shelby and Jarrod’s accomplishments inspire you to continue serving, providing, and championing individuals with I/DD.