The Mary Gregory Jewett Award for distinguished service in the field of preservation is named for the Trust’s first executive director and is the Trust’s top honor given to an individual. This award is reserved to recognize those whose dedication and service to the field of historic preservation in the state of Georgia is extraordinary.

Tad Brown serves as President of The Watson-Brown Foundation which is based in Thomson, Georgia. This 501(c)3 organization labors to improve education in the American South by funding its schools and students and preserving its history. During Mr. Brown’s tenure, the Watson-Brown Foundation has restored three historic buildings in Thomson associated with the life of Tom Watson, noted Georgia elected official, restored the T.R.R. Cobb House in Athens and the Goodrum House in Atlanta. The Watson-Brown Foundation grants scholarships each year to Georgia students and teaches young people in Georgia about philanthropy by administering its pioneering Junior Board program in Thomson, Milledgeville and Athens.