2024 SPADD Award Winners

Crystal Smith, Direct Support Champion

Direct Support Champion

Crystal Smith

The SPADD Direct Support Champion award is given by SPADD to a Direct Support Professional who has displayed the highest commitment in professional support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The award serves to acknowledge the importance and value of direct support personnel in the growth and achievements of the individuals SPADD members exist to serve.

The 2024 Direct Support Champion is Crystal Smith of WOW In-Sync. Crystal has worked in Direct Support at WOW since 2005. In that time, she has exhibited a commitment to person-centered thinking that is present in every aspect of her performance. Last year, WOW started new programming based around the upcoming ISP in which persons served take part in assessments, discovery activities, and research into goals they would like to pursue. Crystal has been instrumental in both the design and implementation of this initiative. Last month, she began the next phase of this programming in which she works with persons served on goals that they have identified as the most meaningful to them in specialized settings with unique activities that are in addition to the regular services provided.

During her almost 20 years of service at WOW, Crystal has impacted the lives of persons served in myriad ways and continues to dedicate herself to providing the highest quality of services imaginable.

Congratulations, Crystal, on becoming the 2024 SPADD Direct Support Champion!

Circle of Excellence

Robin Davenport

The SPADD Circle of Excellence Award recognizes an IDD organization OR organization's leader (CEO or Executive Director) who has, through leadership, advocacy, program development or some other meaningful contribution, made a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within their community or across the state. The award represents a commitment to high quality outcomes for individuals with disabilities to lead better, more independent lives.

The 2024 Circle of Excellence recipient is Robin Davenport. Robin is Mineral Springs Center’s strongest advocate. She takes every opportunity that comes her way to speak to community members and those in leadership positions about Mineral Springs Center and the good things that are happening in the lives of the individuals supported there. Under her leadership, the organization is thriving operationally and financially.

Robin is the first to say that she wants MSC and its inner workings to be transparent to all, and that is evident in her frequent communications with the Board, families, caregivers, and people receiving support. Robin is compassionate and empathetic and has been paramount in setting up a Support Group for caregivers when they asked for one. She has said she doesn’t see her role as Director as a job but as a ministry of serving and helping others, and people who know her know that this is her calling.

Thank you, Robin Davenport, and welcome to the Circle of Excellence!

Robin Davenport, Circle of Excellence recipient

2024 Legislative Champion

Each year, SPADD recognizes and acknowledges the hard work of key state legislators who support the organization’s mission and IDD provider community. We extend our sincerest gratitude for all they have done in service of Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. SPADD Legislative Champions devote time, energy, and dedication to improving the disability community through public service.

As the 2024 SPADD Legislative Champion, Representative Matt Hatchett has devoted his time, energy, and dedication to improving the lives of people with IDD and their families through public service. He has been instrumental in the significant legislative effort to listen and learn about complicated issues that impact Georgians with IDD, most notably, the process of implementing wage increases for Direct Support Professionals.

With all the competing critical issues demanding attention, SPADD is grateful that IDD community and provider issues were among the top priorities for Representative Hatchett during this legislative session. We sincerely appreciate his focus on ensuring a better life for people with IDD and their families.

  • State Representative Matt Hatchett

    Matt was elected to House District 150 in November 2010. He currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, Health and Rules committees. He is also an ex-officio member of the Ways & Means Committee.

    Matt served as one of Governor Deal’s Floor Leaders from June 2011 until September 2013 when he was elected by his peers to serve as the chairman of the House Majority Caucus. In July 2021, Hatchett was again elected by the majority caucus to fulfill the position of Majority Whip. He held this role until December 2022 when he was appointed to serve as the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.