Planoite and NTPA CEO Darrell Rodenbaugh was awarded the 42nd annual Governor’s Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award is one of the State of Texas’ highest honors, celebrating exemplary volunteers and presented in collaboration with OneStar Foundation.
“I am honored to recognize this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients as Texans whose commitment to service is making a lasting difference,” said Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “Their dedication reminds us that service has the power to unite communities, uplift neighbors, and inspire others to step forward. These honorees represent the very best of Texas.”
Rodenbaugh served as North Texas Performing Arts’ board president for eight years and is on his 11th year as its full-time volunteer CEO.
“In his two decades of service, Darrell has built upon a vision for a local children’s theatre that began 35 years ago and transformed it into the largest youth theatre organization in the country,” Plano Children’s Theatre Founder Sara Egelston Akers said. “This recognition reflects not only his personal commitment, but the power of volunteer leadership to grow something meaningful into something extraordinary.”
Rodenbaugh was awarded at a special reception at the Texas Governor’s Mansion during National Volunteer Month in April.
“I’m proud of the team we’ve built and their passion for a vision that everyone should have the opportunity to take the stage and have their voice heard, building confidence, resilience, and character far beyond the spotlight,” Rodenbaugh said. “I’ve seen that impact firsthand in my own children and in thousands of others who tell us there is nothing else they’ve done that better prepared them for life.”
“By recognizing volunteers like Darrell, we hope to inspire others to get involved and discover how service can strengthen communities and empower individuals to lead,” said Chris Bugbee, President and CEO of OneStar. “These stories show that when people step up to serve, they not only meet community needs—they build connection, understanding, and hope.”
Other awardees included Larry Dolan of Dallas, Dave Freriks of Lubbock and Timothy Stroud of Houston.
Plano-based group NiHao Food Bank Initiative was also awarded the Community Champion Award at the reception.
