The Earl Exum Servant Leader Award will be presented at West Hartford’s Martin Luther King Day celebration in January 2026.

Submitted

West Hartford’s Martin Luther King Celebration Committee seeks nominations for the Earl Exum Servant Leader Award.

A Servant Leader is an individual who focuses on serving others, fostering a supportive environment, and empowering people to grow. Nominees for this award demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and encourage collaboration and stewardship.

At the 2025 MLK celebration, Mark Walker was selected as the first recipient of the Earl Exum Servant Leader Award for his integral role in mentoring and coaching youth and young adults for over 40 years, his volunteer service on many nonprofit boards of directors, and his pastoral leadership at Open Arms Christian Ministry.

Tammy Exum with Mark Walker, the recipient of the first Earl Exum Servant Leader award West Hartford’s 29th celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Jan. 20, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

To nominate someone, complete the nomination form (click here). All nominations must be submitted by Dec. 19, 2025. Eligible nominees are West Hartford residents or those with a business, organization, or nonprofit based in the town.

“This is a way for West Hartford to honor our friend Earl Exum and spotlight an individual who is serving others in our community,” said Adrienne Billings-Smith, West Hartford’s Manager, Office of Employee Development & Community Engagement, Title VI Coordinator, and member of the MLK planning committee.

Earl Exum. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

Earl Exum was a senior executive at Pratt and Whitney, led WHAASCO, served on the board of West Hartford Community Interactive, coached youth sports, and was active at Asylum Hill Congregational Church. He also organized efforts to build a memorial to Lemuel Haynes, the first African American ordained Congregational minister.

Exum was also the husband of 19th District Democratic state Rep. Tammy Exum and the father of three sons, Evan, Kyle, and Jonathan.

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