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B.J. Bayne was awarded the Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award for 2019. Craig DeBrew of Duke Energy presented the award to Bayne at a special meeting of the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce on February 10. 

Volunteer service is a noble tradition and now, more than ever, volunteers are needed to help others and bring communities closer. Each year, Duke Energy recognizes these efforts by honoring a person or group with the Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award. This award is a tribute to those who make a difference by volunteering their time, talent, and energy to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Recipients of this award help foster a culture of citizenship and service which encourages others to get involved.

As a lifelong resident of Polk County and Landrum, B.J. has a long history of service to this area. She has worked in law enforcement and as an emergency medical technician and has served on the board of directors for multiple organizations in the area.  Currently, B.J. is the Executive Director at Steps to HOPE, the domestic violence and sexual assault shelter and victim advocacy center serving Polk County, NC and Upstate SC and is on the Board of Directors for the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation. She is married to Eric Bayne and has three children – Heather, Shelby, and Zack. She is a member of Pea Ridge Baptist Church. 

Submitted by Paula Ravan

Craig DeBrew and B.J. Bayne