Founder and former board member of the Rutherford County Adult Activity Center, Robert E. Rose, was named the 2010 Community Leader of the Year.  Rose was nominated by Rutherford County Adult Activity Center (RCAAC) for his many years of service to Rutherford County’s citizens with intellectual disabilities, as well as for all his civic contributions to the Rutherford county and Murfreesboro.

Rose was a founding member and has been serving RCAAC for 35 years, and was also a founding member of the Tennessee Vocational Training Center.  RCAAC recognized Rose for his community leadership, noting that his “kindness and generosity are unwavering.”

When speaking of Rose’s generosity, RCAAC gave this example of Rose’s dedication to their organization.  RCAAC noted that when they expanded their housing to be able to benefit more people, “Mr. Rose bought appropriate affordable homes when we couldn’t find anyone to rent to us, remodeled the homes to meet individual needs and continues to rent them below market rate to the people we serve.  As a result, many of our clients live in comfortable, accessible, and affordable homes in wonderful neighborhoods.”

In addition to RCAAC and the Tennessee Vocational Training Center, Rose also served on the Murfreesboro City Council, the Rutherford County Board of Education, the Murfreesboro Electric Board, the Rutherford County Industrial Development Board, and the County Election Commission.  He also was a leader during the civil rights era and had a part in the peaceful integration of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County schools.

The award was presented by Tennessee Network of Community Organizations (TNCO) to Rose on August 19^th, 2010.  TNCO represents Tennessee programs for adults with intellectual disabilities.