Philanthropist Of The Year Award Nominees 

Each year the Linda Vann Lassiter Women's Society honors a philanthropist in Johnston County. The winner will be honored at an annual celebration.

The honor is awarded annually to an individual who has made a positive impact in our community through giving, and whose philanthropic leadership sets an inspiring example for all with regard to time, talents, and treasures.

Nominees must: reside in Johnston County; demonstrate a track record of charitable giving to one or more nonprofit organizations with a positive impact in the community; encourage, motivate, and inspire others to become philanthropic; volunteer and connect others to the organization through their passion; provide leadership and vision making them well-regarded in the community.


2024's Winner Carol Arnn

Photo of Carol Arnn holding a reward.

The 2024 Linda Vann Lassiter Women’s Society Philanthropist of the Year was awarded to Carol Arnn. Carol works alongside her son, Nathan, caring for others at Smithfield Manor, a business she and her late husband David have owned for many years.

Carol is an active member of the Rotary Club of Central Johnston County and lives by the Rotary motto "Service above Self". Carol is a hands-on leader who is willing to get involved and show others the example of doing good, not only locally, but in the world.

With a background in nursing, Carol has taken part in several medical trips with Rotary International into India and Pakistan. During these trips she has taken part in National Immunization Days in an effort to eradicate Polio in the world.

As a Rotarian, she has donated both her time and her financial resources toward this initiative. Through her generosity she honored 30 local first responders as Paul Harris Fellows through Rotary International. This honor is given to recognize "Service Above Self".