Cover Image, L-R: Cawaco RC&D Programs Manager Patti Pennington, Sen. Matt Woods
Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council honored Sen. Matt Woods as the Legislator of the Year for 2025, recognizing his exceptional service to Walker County and his ability to connect communities with vital resources.
Woods was honored during Cawaco RC&D’s annual meeting at Bevill State Community College in Jasper, where board members, staff and partners gathered to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the region’s five counties.
“Senator Woods champions the needs of his constituents, consistently directing valuable projects to our region. His efforts make a measurable difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Kellie Johnston, Cawaco RC&D’s executive director.
The award recognizes Woods’ deep understanding of local needs and his effectiveness in championing projects that make a measurable difference in the lives of constituents. Through his service on the Walker Area Community Foundation grant review committee, Woods gained firsthand insight into the challenges facing the region, which has informed his work as a legislator.
“I am incredibly grateful for the resources Cawaco RC&D provides to so many deserving groups in Central Alabama,” said Woods. “I appreciate their efforts to meet the needs of our communities, and I am deeply honored to be named legislator of the year. I believe in this organization because I have seen firsthand the positive results of their wise stewardship.”
Cawaco RC&D relies on community leaders and elected officials to identify people and projects that have strong community support, leadership and vision.
For more information about the Cawaco RC&D grant program and its impacts, visit cawaco.org.
About Cawaco RC&D: Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council (RC&D) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports educational and community development projects in Central Alabama. Cawaco RC&D has a vision of vibrant communities that achieve balance between economic, human, and natural resource needs. Cawaco RC&D serves Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties.
