The Rockefeller Award, named in honor of former West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller, is given annually to an individual for their work, dedication and inspiring efforts to ensure that every West Virginian has access to affordable and quality healthcare coverage.

Senator John Davison (Jay) Rockefeller IV served the people and state of West Virginia for more than 50 years. Rockefeller came to West Virginia in 1964 as a 27-year-old VISTA volunteer in the small community of Emmons, an experience that shaped his extensive career in public service. He served in the West Virginia House of Delegates (1966-1968); as Secretary of State of West Virginia (1968-1972); President of West Virginia Wesleyan College (1973-1976); and Governor of West Virginia (1977-1985). In 1984 he was elected to the United States Senate and was reelected to four terms in 1990, 1996, 2002, and 2008, before retiring in 2015.

2024 RECIPIENT

BARBARA FLEISCHAUER

Delegate Fleischauer served in the West Virginia House of Delegates for over 20 years where she sponsored and passed important legislation protecting the rights of women and children; expanding health care; advancing civil rights; and improving benefits for veterans and disabled Mountaineers.