2026 Don Sherry Award Winner Announced
The Central Midwest Carpenters is made up of over 37,000 members who share more than a trade… they share a strong sense of community and brotherhood. Those bonds are built through years of training, working side by side, and standing together to protect workers’ rights. Our strength comes from members who lead with integrity, champion inclusivity, and leave a lasting mark on both our organization and the people around them. Each year, we recognize one member who exemplifies these values, and few have done so more completely than Don Sherry.
Don Sherry devoted nearly 20 years to the Central Midwest Carpenters, serving as a Business Representative, Director of Organizing, and President of Carpenters Local 175 in Louisville, Kentucky, until his passing in 2017. Throughout his career, Don was a tireless advocate for working men and women and a passionate champion of the union’s mission. His dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment earned the respect of everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. In recognition of his lasting impact, the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters proudly presents the Don Sherry Achievement Award each year to honor members who carry forward his legacy.
The Central Midwest Carpenters are thrilled to name Devan Nail as the recipient of the 2026 Don Sherry award!
What began as a simple act of kindness has become a meaningful daily tradition for Local 2955’s Devan Nail and the crew working on Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute.
While on the job, Nail noticed a light flashing from a window across the street at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. Hoping to brighten someone’s day, he made a “Get Well Soon” sign from a broken ceiling tile and held it up. Minutes later, a reply appeared in the hospital window: “Thank you. Waiting for a heart.”
The message came from four-year-old Brinley Wyczalek, who had spent months in the hospital awaiting a heart transplant. The exchange hit close to home for Nail, whose future father-in-law received a heart transplant years ago. Knowing what families endure during the waiting process, he was especially moved to learn the patient was a young child.
After that day, Nail and his coworkers made it a point to wave to Brinley every afternoon before heading home. They also delivered gifts, donations, and messages of encouragement, creating a bond that has become a bright spot in Brinley’s hospital stay.
Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Don Sherry Award Winner, Devan Nail!
To honor Don’s service and dedication, each year since his passing the Central Midwest Carpenters have given The Don Sherry Achievement Award. The award recognizes a rank-and-file member who has gone above and beyond in their service on the job site, with contractors, in MAC meetings (Member Action Committee), and in their community. In addition to giving an award in his honor, CMRCC delegates raise money each year during their annual conference and donate the proceeds to the Diabetes Foundation in Don Sherry’s honor. In 2025, the CMRCC was elated that Don’s family was able to join the announcement and speak on what brother Sherry meant to them.
Recipients of the Don Sherry Award Include:
2018 – Glenn Downs, Local 599
2019 – Raymond Poer, Local 599
2020 – Cory Hudson, Local 285
2021 – Bobby Miller, Local 357
2022 – Travis Williams, Local 1005
2023 – Mitchell Carrillo, Local 1005
2024 – Robert Wright, Local 744
2025 – Marvin Byrer Jr., Local 224
2026 – Devan Nail, Local 2955
