Established as part of the North Carolina Bar Association's centennial celebration in 1999, the Centennial Award recognizes attorneys from each judicial district whose outstanding service has strengthened their local community through civic leadership, volunteerism and public service.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award from my colleagues in the Buncombe County Bar and the North Carolina Bar Association," said Childress. "Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside dedicated attorneys, community leaders and nonprofit organizations committed to making Western North Carolina a great place to live and work. Any impact I have had has been the result of those relationships. I am grateful for this recognition, and to be associated with the outstanding prior recipients of this award, many of whom were my colleagues.”

Childress has practiced law with Roberts & Stevens for more than 40 years and currently serves as president of the firm. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the UNC School of Law, he has built his practice advising businesses, nonprofits and individuals on complex legal matters throughout Western North Carolina.

Susan Russo Klein, president of the Buncombe County Bar, presented the award. “Throughout his career, Vince has consistently devoted his time, leadership and talents to organizations that strengthen Western North Carolina,” said Russo Klein. “He has served and supported numerous business, civic and charitable organizations, including The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Pisgah Legal Services, North Carolina Bar Association Board of Governors, Business Law Section Council and Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law Chairman of Related Professionals Committee.”

"Vince's influence can be seen across countless organizations, businesses and families throughout our region," Russo Klein continued. "He is widely respected as an exceptional attorney, but even more so as a trusted advisor, mentor and community leader. This award recognizes the steady, generous service he has provided to our community for decades.”

Childress is a past recipient of Best Lawyers in America "Lawyer of the Year" in Corporate Law and Health Care Law for 2022 and 2024, was named to Business North Carolina's Legal Elite and selected to North Carolina Super Lawyers.

The Centennial Award was presented to Roberts & Stevens’ founding attorney and partner Jack Stevens in 2008.

Source: Roberts & Stevens.