Nominations Sought For Prestigious West Hartford Civic Honor

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford’s Martin Luther King Celebration Committee seeks nominations for the Earl Exum Servant Leader Award, with nominations due by Dec. 19.

A Servant Leader is an individual who focuses on serving others, fostering a supportive environment, and empowering people to grow.

Nominees for this award demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and encourage collaboration and stewardship.

At the 2025 MLK celebration, Mark Walker was selected as the first recipient of the Earl Exum Servant Leader Award for his integral role in mentoring and coaching youth and young adults for over 40 years, his volunteer service on many nonprofit boards of directors, and his pastoral leadership at Open Arms Christian Ministry.

To nominate someone, complete the nomination form (click here).

All nominations must be submitted by Dec. 19.

Eligible nominees are West Hartford residents or those with a business, organization, or nonprofit based in the town.

“This is a way for West Hartford to honor our friend Earl Exum and spotlight an individual who is serving others in our community,” said Adrienne Billings-Smith, West Hartford’s Manager, Office of Employee Development & Community Engagement, Title VI Coordinator, and member of the MLK planning committee.

The late Earl Exum, who died in October 2023 at the age of 55, was a senior executive at Pratt & Whitney, led WHAASCO, served on the board of West Hartford Community Interactive, coached youth sports, and was active at Asylum Hill Congregational Church.

He also organized efforts to build a memorial to Lemuel Haynes, the first African American ordained Congregational minister.

Exum was also the husband of 19th District Democratic state Rep. Tammy Exum, D-West Hartford, and the father of three sons, Evan, Kyle, and Jonathan.

To nominate someone for the Earl Exum Servant Leader Award, click on this link.