Monroe resident George Massey has been named Union County Man of the Year in honor of his time and energy toward volunteering to make the county a better place.
The award is based strictly on nominees’ volunteer work that is not part of their jobs. It also recognizes leadership in volunteer organizations.
Massey has volunteered with several organizations in the county, serving leadership roles in the majority of them.
As a member of the board of directors for the Hospice of Union and Anson counties, Massey helped raise more than $150,000 in funds. He also serves as vice president of the Union Symphony and a member of the board of directors for Charlotte Safety and Health School.
Additionally, Massey is the treasurer of the Winchester High School Alumni Association, which awards five scholarships to Union County high school students each year. He is a founding member of A Few Good Men, Inc., which also gives out five scholarships.
Massey is a chairman and chairperson for the Health Ministry and the Monroe Board of Adjustment, respectively. He is also a member of the North Carolina Grand Lodge Medical Staff and a member and lecturer at Ramses Shrine Temple, contributing to Shriners Hospital for Children.
In the past, Massey has held other leadership positions and has sat on various boards of directors in the county.
He said there are many wonderful ways to volunteer in Union County and he knows many who take advantage of the opportunities.
He enjoys volunteering because it makes him feel fulfilled.
“When you help people and you see the joy in their faces when something is good,” Massey said. “That’s why I volunteer.”
Massey said he was honored and humbled to receive the award.
He sees it as an opportunity to honor past winners in the county and inspire others to volunteer moving forward.
“It’s a chance to reflect on past winners and stand on their shoulders,” Massey said.