For more than 30 years, National CORE and Hope through Housing have been transforming lives by providing homes and a foundation for community and individual growth. This important work would not be possible without the dedication of our exceptional team.
It is a privilege to recognize and celebrate the invaluable members of our team who bring our vision and mission to life each day. The Olen Jones I Am Hope Award shines a light on long-time team members who work relentlessly behind the scenes, making a profound difference in the lives of the children, families, and seniors we serve. They carry the torch of our CORE values, ensuring that the well-being of our residents always remains at the forefront.
This year’s honoree, John Taylor, has demonstrated this commitment since his earliest days with the company more than 26 years ago.
John began his journey at National CORE as a construction superintendent and worked his way into leadership as vice president of construction. He played a pivotal role in our very first new construction project, Heritage Pointe, which opened in 2002.
“He really cares deeply about our residents, and it shows in his work,” said Chris Killian, senior vice president of construction. “His passion is about helping residents and giving people opportunity. He’s willing to put in the time. He’s willing to grind it out, get in the mud and deal with difficult situations. He understands that every effort is about creating beautiful homes for our residents.”
Beyond his leadership in construction, John is a mentor and guide to everyone he works with. Chris, one of his many protégés, shared how much John’s mentorship helped him grow.
“He loves being a mentor, sharing the idea of what National CORE is with our team,” Chris said. “He was a big part of my growth. He gave me responsibility, trusted me to make mistakes and was there in a second if I needed him.”
As we honor John Taylor’s remarkable contributions, we express our deepest gratitude for his dedication. His pursuit of excellence in construction, his mentorship and his support for his colleagues set him apart. It has been a true privilege to work alongside him for more than a quarter-century.