Cabarrus Today

The City of Concord has awarded Alicia Broadway the 2023 Jo Atwater Continuous Core Values award, recognizing her dedication and service to colleagues and residents. The award is the highest honor given to a city employee.

City Manager Lloyd Payne presented the award during the August City Council Meeting, attended by Broadway's family, friends, and coworkers. Mary Carr, Community Development Manager and Broadway’s supervisor, stated, “Everything the Jo Atwater award represents are qualities Alicia naturally possesses. She’s the heart of our department and a true blessing to the city.”

Broadway was nominated for her care for others, teamwork, and ability to build trust by Carr and Planning and Neighborhood Development Director Steve Osbourne. In her acceptance speech, Broadway expressed gratitude: “I am who I am and to be recognized for that is truly an honor... If I can make someone’s day by smiling and offering a kind word, that’s exactly what I’m going to continue to do."

Born in Cabarrus County, Broadway holds degrees from North Carolina Central University and UNC Charlotte. Since starting with the city in 2016 as Grant Compliance Coordinator for Planning and Neighborhood Development Department, she has been active in community programs like Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods.

Broadway also serves on various boards including CVAN Board assisting abused women, NC Community Development Association Board, GFWC-NC Kannapolis Woman’s Club as vice-president for District 3. She volunteers annually for the Board of Elections in memory of her mother.

The Jo Atwater Award was established in 2003 to honor employees embodying core values of service. Named after Concord's former Human Resources Director Jo Atwater, it recognizes outstanding commitment to community service.