The 37th Annual Excellence in Community Development Awards
2025 Honorees
They’re the doers, the connectors, the visionaries who turn ideas into impact. Whether launching initiatives, building partnerships, or simply showing up with purpose, Champions in Action are united by a deep commitment to community and a belief in a better future.
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They come in many forms—public officials, nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and everyday citizens—each playing a vital role in elevating quality of life across our region.
Michelle Woods
Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County
With nearly 30 years dedicated to addressing social issues, Michelle Woods has spent the past 13 years with Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County, including the last five as Executive Director. Her vision is a community where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home. Throughout her career, Michelle has focused on uplifting vulnerable populations, from youth and homeless services to long-term housing solutions.
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At Habitat, Michelle has expanded the organization’s impact through her involvement with the Continuum of Care and the St. Charles County Housing Team, where she helps lead the creation of a comprehensive housing plan for residents of all abilities. Her leadership has earned recognition including the Visionary of the Year Award from Vision Leadership St. Charles County and the Community Builder–Visionary Award from the Community Council. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, hiking, and biking with family and friends—embracing the sense of home and connection she works to create for others.
Todd Barnes
Executive Director, St. Charles County Community Council
After nearly a decade of leadership, Todd Barnes will retire at the end of 2025 as Executive Director of the St. Charles County Community Council, a role he has held since 2016. Founded in 1954, the Community Council serves as the central convener for nonprofits and social service organizations across St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren Counties, uniting efforts to serve those in need.
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Under Todd’s leadership, the organization has taken on critical community issues including homelessness, hunger, affordable housing, and employment for individuals with disabilities. The Council also became the lead agency for Coordinated Entry, the region’s access point for homeless services and resources. A true servant leader and Champion in Action, Todd’s compassion and collaborative approach have strengthened the social service network and created lasting impact for families across the region.
Jon Jerome
President and CEO, H.E.R.O.E.S. Care
Jon Jerome has been part of H.E.R.O.E.S. Care since 2004, beginning as a volunteer and later serving as Director of Development before becoming President and CEO in 2007. Under his leadership, the organization has provided more than $70 million in material and financial aid to military members, veterans, and their families. His collaboration with other charitable leaders led to the creation of a holistic framework of care that has become the hallmark of H.E.R.O.E.S. Care’s nationally recognized program.
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A lifelong St. Louisan, Jon’s service and leadership have earned him numerous honors, including the Missouri Governor’s Conspicuous Service Medal, the Department of the Army Civilian Service Award, the National Guard Minuteman Award, the Bank of America Local Hero Award, and the Challenge Coin of the Secretary of Defense. His steadfast commitment continues to strengthen the connection between the military community and the support networks that serve them.
Curtis Francois
Owner and CEO, World Wide Technology Raceway
Curtis Francois is the owner and CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR), located just east of downtown St. Louis in Madison, Illinois. A lifelong St. Louisan, real estate developer, and former professional racecar driver, Curtis is dedicated to positioning the metropolitan region as a premier national racing destination. Since purchasing and reopening the racetrack in 2012, he has led a remarkable revitalization that transformed WWTR into the only U.S. venue to host elite series from NASCAR, INDYCAR, and NHRA, along with more than 300 events each year.
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Curtis has made community engagement and inclusion central to WWTR’s mission through partnerships with Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and World Wide Technology Founder Dave Steward, advancing STEM initiatives, fan innovation, and diversity in motorsports. Through WWTR’s charitable foundation, Raceway Gives, Curtis champions community-based STEM programs, student engagement, and the Community Champions initiative. His leadership has earned national recognition, including the Comcast Community Champion Award, the Jack Buck Award, NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Award, and the designation of WWTR as host of a 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race and NASCAR Xfinity Series Race.
