Established by the General Assembly in 1961, the North Carolina Award is the highest civilian honor given by the state. Presented annually since 1964, the award recognizes significant contributions to the state and nation in the fields of fine art, literature, public service and science. Though given by the governor, the award is administered by our agency.

The 2023 honorees are Honorable David Price for Public Service, Honorable G.K. Butterfield for Public Service, Fred A. Whitfield for Public Service, Marsha White Warren for Literature, Patrick Dougherty for Fine Arts and Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., M.P.H., for Science.

Public Service: Honorable G.K. Butterfield
G.K. Butterfield, hailing from Wilson, N.C., embarked on a distinguished career in law, politics, and advocacy rooted in his family's legacy of service. Graduating from North Carolina Central University, he founded a law practice in Wilson in 1975. Butterfield served as a Resident Superior Court judge, an Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, and represented North Carolina's 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2004 to 2022. Chairing the Congressional Black Caucus from 2015-2017, he contributed actively on the Energy and Commerce and House Administration committees.

Science: Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., M.P.H.
Mandy K. Cohen, now leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, is a prominent health leader with a robust track record. As the former head of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, she earned praise for her exceptional leadership during the Covid crisis, emphasizing equity, data accountability, and transparent communication. Cohen, an internal medicine physician, previously served as the executive vice president and CEO of Aledade Care Solutions and held key roles at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Fine Arts: Patrick Dougherty
Internationally acclaimed sculptor Patrick Dougherty, a Southern Pines native, seamlessly blends carpentry skills with a love for nature in his art. After studying English and Hospital and Health Administration, Dougherty explored primitive building techniques using tree saplings. His debut work, "Maple Body Wrap," in 1982 marked the beginning of a prolific career. "Out of the Box," created in 2009, now graces the North Carolina Museum of Art permanently. Dougherty's artistic journey includes awards such as the Factor Prize for Southern Art, North Carolina Artist Fellowship Award, and National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship.

Public Service: Honorable David E. Price
David E. Price, a dedicated public servant, represented North Carolina’s 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives for multiple terms. A senior member of the Appropriations Committee, he chaired the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development. Price's commitment to public service and diplomacy earned him accolades, including the Hubert H. Humphrey Award and induction into the National Service Hall of Fame. Currently a Polis Distinguished Fellow at Duke University, Price continues to contribute to education and public service, authoring books and articles on American politics, institutions, ethics, and foreign affairs.

Literature: Marsha White Warren
Marsha White Warren, a skilled poet and storyteller, has dedicated her career to serving writers and the arts community. Her leadership roles in organizations like the North Carolina Writers Network and the North Carolina Poetry Society, along with board membership in Arts Advocates, showcase her impactful contributions. Recognized with awards such as the Sam Ragan Award and the R. Hunt Parker Memorial Award, Warren has directed the Paul Green Foundation since 1991, supporting theaters, playwrights, and social justice organizations nationwide.

Public Service: Fred A. Whitfield
Fred A. Whitfield, a distinguished sports executive, has excelled in various roles spanning player, coach, agent, sports marketer, and basketball operations administrator. Since 2018, as president and vice chairman of Hornets Sports & Entertainment, he oversees all business operations, including the transformation of Spectrum Center in downtown Charlotte. Whitfield's career includes managing endorsements at the Jordan Brand and founding HoopTee Charities, Inc., a nonprofit providing scholarships for disadvantaged youth. With the Achievements Unlimited Basketball School, he has positively impacted over 15,000 kids in Greensboro and Charlotte over the last 38 years.

The 2023 awards were presented Thursday, Nov. 9 at the North Carolina Museum of Art. This event is sponsored by Wells Fargo, Martin Marietta, Duke Energy, RTI, O’Reilly Auto Parts, ACN, Inc., CBC/WRAL Community Fund of the Triangle Community Foundation, Dr. William Roper, the Charlotte Hornets, the National Basketball Association, and Lenovo.