Central Alabama nonprofit earns Council of the Year, Hall of Fame and Employee of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct. 15, 2026 – Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council earned state recognition for its dedication to supporting Central Alabama communities. The team brought home three awards honoring their work during fiscal year 2025 at the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils annual conference. Honors include:
- Council of the Year: Cawaco RC&D
- Hall of Fame: Patti Pennington
- Employee of the Year: Erin Hackenmueller
Cawaco RC&D connects Central Alabama communities with the resources and partnerships needed to grow in an environmentally sustainable way. Central to that mission is the RC&D grant program, offered in partnership with the Alabama Legislature to serve Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties. In 2025, the program generated a $3.95 million community impact, with every $1 granted producing $4.69 in total impact.
Cawaco RC&D served as a connector and convener across the region in 2025. The organization partnered with the City of Birmingham and Redemptive Cycles to distribute 60 bicycles to Housing Authority residents facing transportation barriers and supported eight organizations in hiring 16 student interns for hands-on conservation experience. Its Cool Green Trees program planted 479 trees in Jefferson County. Cawaco RC&D also supports the Alabama Rivers and Streams Network, a partner collaboration that restored 1,110 linear feet of streams and 93 acres of land to help recover imperiled aquatic species.
Patti Pennington, Cawaco RC&D’s programs director, has dedicated nearly 20 years to strengthening RC&D initiatives across Alabama. She has made significant contributions to both the state association and other RC&D councils, including identifying the software platform that was later adopted by all Alabama RC&D councils. Pennington manages the RC&D grant program, guiding applicants through the process and helping direct funding to projects that will make the greatest difference in Central Alabama communities.
Pennington has also developed and supported numerous programs at Cawaco RC&D. Under her leadership, RC&D Grows Gardens expanded from a small RC&D grant into a program supporting more than 18 community and school gardens. Pennington was also instrumental in establishing Cawaco’s Cool Green Trees program, which has planted over 1,500 trees since 2023.
“Few people in this world can say they have done so much for so many. Patti’s talent and expertise have been and are invaluable,” said Kellie Johnston, Cawaco RC&D’s executive director.
Erin Hackenmueller, Cawaco RC&D’s communications specialist, has elevated the organization’s visibility and credibility across Alabama since joining in May 2024. She modernized Cawaco’s digital presence and strengthens relationships with legislators and other partners through targeted communications. Her efforts help spread the word about grant opportunities and the great work happening across Central Alabama.
Beyond Cawaco, Hackenmueller serves on the RC&D communications committee and provides technical assistance to other Alabama RC&D councils. She also supports Cawaco’s programs and partners, including redesigning the website for the Alabama Rivers and Streams Network. As program director for Your Town Alabama, a Cawaco partner program, she secured new funding that grew its budget by 440% and launched two new initiatives.
“Erin exemplifies excellence, innovation and dedication to Alabama’s communities. Her contributions extend well beyond her job title, delivering measurable benefits to RC&D councils and small towns statewide,” said Johnston.
To learn more about Cawaco RC&D and stay up to date about impactful projects in the region, visit www.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.
Media Contact
Erin Hackenmueller
Communications Specialist
communications@cawaco.org
659-895-0334
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