Trish Payne Receives William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award

SMCC Executive Director Emerita Trish Payne

St. Michaels Community Center Executive Director Emerita Trish Payne received the Comptroller of Maryland’s 2020 William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award at a virtual presentation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is Payne’s first time receiving the award.

The annual award recognizes individuals and organizations in each of the 23 counties and Baltimore City who best exemplify former Governor and Comptroller William Donald Schaefer’s unparalleled legacy of public service and selflessness, with awardees nominated by their peers.

Payne’s work improving the community, problem-solving, and providing direct aid to vulnerable members of the population during her 13-year tenure as SMCC Executive Director earned her this honor. She has been instrumental in developing strong partnerships with other community organizations and agencies. Her efforts with the Town of St. Michaels, the St. Michaels Police Department, and the St. Michaels Youth and Law Enforcement (S.M.Y.L.E.) program have resulted in inclusive and diverse community outreach and involvement.

Under Payne’s effective intervention and leadership during the pandemic, SMCC pivoted from its normal programs to provide tens of thousands of bags of groceries and takeout and delivery meals to those in need as the County designated Bay Hundred food distribution hub.

“We are extremely grateful for Trish’s leadership and service to the people of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred region,” said SMCC Board President Langley Shook. “Because of Trish’s dedication and hard work, we can continue to provide much-needed services and programs to the people in our community who need them the most. And because of Trish, SMCC is now in great shape to pass the baton to our next leader. We’re excited about what the future holds.”

Payne recently retired and SMCC’s Board of Advisors named her Executive Director Emerita to honor her longstanding role leading the organization. She continues to serve part-time as interim Executive Director while SMCC conducts a search for her successor.

“It has been a sincere honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to serve my neighbors and friends in the Bay Hundred Community,” said Payne. “I am very grateful to have enjoyed the many valuable partnerships with local businesses and other nonprofits that I had the pleasure of working with all these years. Most of all, my most heartfelt appreciation goes out to the incredible family of staff members, volunteers, and supporters who believe in the mission of SMCC. Thanks for the memories.”

The St. Michaels Community Center provides quality activities and services contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the community. SMCC is dedicated to filling the unmet needs of the Bay Hundred and St. Michaels communities by providing supervised programs for the enrichment of children and teens; activities and services for adults and senior citizens; and affordable recreational, social, and educational activities to the entire community.

Donations to SMCC and proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop, located on Railroad Ave. in St. Michaels, help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for people from throughout the Bay Hundred area. More information is at stmichaelscc.org.