Twenty-seven Maryland residents have been selected to receive Governor's Service Awards. The recipients were honored November 4, 2013 during a special ceremony and reception at the historic Governor Calvert House in Annapolis, Maryland.

The recipients were selected in 11 different categories including individual, organizational, and group volunteers. In addition, special recognition was given to individuals and groups celebrating significant accomplishments.

We're excited to officially announce that Cassandra "Cassi" Champion has become the new Director of the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism. Cassi began her role on October 23, 2013 and is leading the GOSV in its efforts to strengthen volunteerism and recognize all those who serve the State.

Cassi is a multifaceted director bringing over 20 years' experience with nonprofit and public sector organizations. She comes to the GOSV from the Baltimore Community ToolBank, where she served as the Executive Director. Under her leadership, the Baltimore Community ToolBank loaned $425,000 worth of tools and equipment during the first 18 months of operations, powering 968 service projects and equipping nearly 18,000 volunteers who served 71,528 volunteer hours at 247 nonprofits across Maryland.

Prior to launching the ToolBank, Cassi worked for over six years at Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service in various communications and resource development roles and three years as the Director of Communications for Girl Scouts of Central Maryland. She is a graduate of Indiana University (BA) and earned a Graduate Certificate from the University of Chicago.