Jenny Short Named 2018 The Vulcans Community Awards Honoree

Now in its fifth year, The Vulcans Community Awards honors citizens who exemplify civic pride, leadership and progress. An independent panel chose the winners from among the nominees submitted by community members in Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties.

Short, presented with The Vulcans in the category of Newcomer - and the other 12 honorees - were recently recognized at an annual dinner Nov. 1 at The Club.

Growing up in Jasper in the heart of Walker County, service to others was a key value instilled in Jenny Short. Surrounded by family going back four generations, philanthropy and leadership were encouraged. After moving away in 1979, Short returned to Jasper in 2012 with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for harnessing the potential of her community.

In 2013, The Walker County Health Action Partnership (WCHAP) was created, and Short has served as the Chair of Livable Communities since its inception. Partnering with many community organizations, WCHAP is working on initiatives that include the development of a 31-mile river trail with seven access points spanning all of Walker County, construction of walking/biking trails, kayaking and a soon-to-be-completed archery park at Walker County Lake.

“Walker County is so fortunate to have abundant and beautiful natural resources ripe with opportunity for creating outdoor recreational spaces,” stated Short.

In 2015, Jenny was fortunate to partner with many talented and generous individuals to begin the revitalization and renaissance of downtown Jasper. Jasper became a Main Street Community and with an army of citizens and a progressive municipal government, was transformed from a ghost town into a bustling downtown complete with craft breweries, trendy restaurants, live entertainment and boutiques.

According to Short, “No one individual can change a community but with a shared vision, quality partnerships, dedicated individuals and a progressive city and county government, sustainable change is possible. If there was ever a time to return to a community as a newcomer and view it through a different lens, that time is now. Walker County is truly poised for greatness.”

“Jenny embodies the absolute best among our Walker Baptist Medical Center family, and we are extremely proud to have her as part of our team,” said Bob Phillips, CEO, Walker Baptist Medical Center. “Jenny has been a pillar in Walker County for years. Her passion to see our community thrive and the work and dedication she puts forth to that end are limitless. She is helping to make Walker County a more viable, attractive marketplace for individuals and families alike – one that many natives are choosing to return to and embrace for all it now offers.”