Elizabeth “Liz” George to be recognized by Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse with 2026 Jim Long Servant Leader Award at Recovery Brunch on May 31.

“Liz embodies the giving spirit that is the heart and soul of Side by Side.” –Jim Long

In 2025, we established the Jim Long Servant Leadership Award to honor a legacy of humility, generosity, and perseverance to the brain injury community. Named for our beloved former Board Chair, Jim Long, the award recognizes individuals who model servant leadership, are generous of time, talent and treasure, and understand the significant unmet needs of the brain injury community.

This year, we are honored to present the Jim Long Servant Leadership Award to Elizabeth George.

Liz has spent more than a decade showing up—with joy, creativity, generosity, and an extraordinary heart for our members. From baking hundreds of cookies to forming meaningful relationships with members, from quiet acts of personal generosity to bold leadership of fundraising initiatives, Liz has helped shape the culture of Side by Side.

Liz doesn’t just support the mission, she passionately serves the people behind it. Her leadership is not loud. It is consistent, generous, joyful and steady.

Liz will be recognized at Side by Side’s Recovery Brunch on May 31st at Chai Pani in downtown Decatur. We invite you to celebrate her service and join us in honoring someone who gives so much of herself to others.

Click here to make a donation in Liz’s honor.

A Reflection from Jim Long  

Honoring Liz feels especially fitting for former Board Chair Jim, whose legacy of servant leadership inspired this award.

“Liz had a huge influence on Side by Side’s direction, culture, and long-term success. Whenever we were organizing events, large or small, Liz was there, cheerful and full of ideas and suggestions. She didn’t need guidance. She set the standard. She made it fun for people to help. She made the members feel worthwhile. She provided a very real bright spot and gave them a chance to have a meaningful opportunity in the belief that they themselves were making a difference. I was extraordinarily grateful.

Liz embodies the giving spirit that is the heart and soul of Side by Side. Her enthusiasm was catching. She is precisely the sort of person who deserves the servant leadership award. I’m very happy that she is this year’s recipient.”

A Reflection from Cindi Johnson  

For Side by Side Founder Cindi, Liz’s service has been more than helpful — it has been joyful, steady, and transformative.

“You think of board members as contributing talent, time, or treasure and capitalizing on each person’s strengths in those areas. Liz has them ALL in SPADES. She is generous with all three - from baking hundreds of professionally decorated cookies, packaging them individually and including a cute sticker she ordered from somewhere, to bringing her parents down from PA for her mother to bake and join the event. She seemed to have unlimited time and be able to compartmentalize attorney or judge responsibilities while being fully present for our members who have been eagerly anticipating her game night arrival schlepping games, crafts, Flying Biscuit catering, and delicious homemade goodies- all while recovering from sinus surgery in between marathons.

Time and talent would be more than enough to make a director’s life easier, but add in her unquestioned generosity of contributing personal funds for anything at anytime. Member loses everything in an apartment fire? No problem, how much do you need? Buy new stuff, get it done and don’t spend a ton of time looking for seconds. Need a high level sponsor to allure colleagues to jump on the fundraising event train? No problem, we’ll set the example and the expectation. Need an event that is mission-driven, includes members and families and isn’t a huge staff burden? I have just the thing, Parag and I have an idea, and we’ll do it ALL.

I always sighed a breath of relief when Liz presented a need to fellow board members. She stayed relaxed and casual, funny, and approached it all with a “no big deal” attitude. It went a long way to make colleagues feel comfortable and welcome possibilities. Working alongside Liz was energizing, and fun! She always came at just the right time—spreading joy among those she serves as well as those she serves alongside.”