ATHENS - The Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development has awarded the 2003 Marvin J. Huston Generals Award to Keith F. Molihan, executive director of the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization at COAD's recent annual meeting.

The Generals Award is named in honor of Marvin J. Huston, former executive director of the Jackson-Vinton Community Action Agency and a founding member of COAD. He served as COAD Foster Grandparent Program director from 1972 until his retirement in 1987. The award is presented each year by the COAD Board of Directors to an individual who has demonstrated lifetime contributions and commitment to the people of Appalachia Ohio in the federally funded War on Poverty, according to a release from COAD. Molihan coined the term "The General" and conferred it on Huston, his friend and mentor.

Molihan, who will soon retire after 33 years of service, has received numerous awards during his career including Ironton's Ironmaster award, Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Rio Grande, the Community Services Award from the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio and Person of the Year for Lawrence County by the Southeastern Ohio Regional Council.

The Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization has an annual budget of approximately $20 million and employs more than 300 people.