Lorraine Avery, strategic director of bank operations, Associated Bank, recently received the Tina Peters Dedicated Service Award at Portage County United Way’s recognition lunch. This award is presented to an individual who has shown exemplary passion and compassion to the residents of Portage County through United Way.

Peters presented Avery with the award and said, “This year’s recipient is a well-respected individual who has a long history with this United Way and throughout the community. 2015 marks 20 years of involvement and contribution to the United Way of Portage County by Lorraine. She is one of only two people to chair the community-wide campaign more than once — chairing both the 1996 and 1997 campaigns. On both occasions, Lorraine surpassed the campaign goal.”

Avery served on the Portage County United Way Board of Directors from 1996 through 2002 and from 2008 through 2013. She was board president in 1999. During her tenure, Avery was regularly the chairwoman for the executive committee, finance committee, the campaign cabinet, allocations committee and the human resource committee. She was the founder of the governance committee and continues to serve as a member. Avery remains active as a member on the endowment committee and is a member of past campaign drive chairs group.

Peters added, “To be very honest, with all of her accomplishments our accolades for Lorraine could go on and on. Simply put, with people like her involved in our organization, we are confident to have continued success. Thank you, Lorraine, for your service to this community.”

Twelve colleagues from the Stevens Point Service Center attended the award presentation. Avery said she was very honored and humbled to receive the award.