04/28/2026
Today, we celebrate a truly special moment for our Recovery Revolution family.
Our Executive Director, Devin Lyall, is being inducted into the Wilkes County Hall of Fame — an honor that reflects not only her incredible achievements, but the heart, resilience, and compassion she brings to everything she does.
Devin’s story is one of transformation, courage, and unwavering commitment to others. Through her leadership, Recovery Revolution has grown from a grassroots effort into a nationally recognized organization, changing lives across our community and beyond. She leads with authenticity and lived experience, ensuring that every person who walks through our doors is met with dignity, hope, and opportunity.
As a team, we are beyond grateful to walk alongside her. We see firsthand the long hours, the relentless dedication, and the deep care she pours into this work — and into each of us. She doesn’t just lead this organization, she inspires it.
Devin, we thank you for believing in this mission, for believing in people, and for showing us what it means to turn hardship into purpose. Your impact on Wilkes County — and far beyond — continues to change lives every single day.
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The 12th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Gala will take place on May 21, 2026 at The Stone Center. The gala honors the selected inductees for their contributions and lasting influence to Wilkes County.
Honoring 2026 inductee Devin Lyall.
Devin’s life and work reflect a deep commitment to creativity, service, perseverance, and community — values shaped early by her family, her hometown, and the arts that first gave her a voice.
Born and raised in Wilkes County, Devin grew up surrounded by strong, driven women and inspired by a father whose life revolved around color, creativity, and human connection. From her mother, Donna Atwell, she inherited an unwavering work ethic and a belief that excellence is not optional — that showing up fully, even when it is hard, is simply part of who you are. From her father, the late Jim Lyall, she absorbed a love of the arts and an understanding that creativity has the power to heal, connect, and transform lives.
Devin began dancing at the age of two, and for sixteen years, the studio became a second home. Dance instilled discipline, resilience, and storytelling. After graduating with honors from Wilkes Central High School, Devin taught and choreographed competitive dance, winning choreography awards and deepening her lifelong connection to the arts.
Art was not simply an activity in the Lyall household; it was a way of life.
Addiction and mental health challenges became a defining chapter in her life — not as the sum of who she is, but as the crucible that forged her resilience. What once felt like hopelessness became the foundation for strength, empathy, and an unshakable determination to support those who are struggling, marginalized, or overlooked. Rather than allowing adversity to define her limits, Devin transformed it into purpose.
That purpose led her to start a non-profit organization Recovery Revolution, where she now serves as the Executive Director. Under her leadership, what began as a grassroots effort has grown into a nationally recognized Recovery Community Organization hosting eleven transformative programs addressing housing, food insecurity, harm reduction, crisis response, treatment, and long-term recovery.
Devin leads with lived experience, authenticity, and compassion, ensuring that people seeking support are met with dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Her leadership has been recognized at the local, state, and national levels through numerous honors, including the Great State Hero Award for Crisis Assistance, the Chairman’s Award from the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, the Harm Reduction Hero Award, the Todd E. Whitworth National Humanitarian Award, and the National Recovery Community Organization of the Year Award in Washington, D.C. She has also shared her story through national media and a TEDx Talk, amplifying the voice of rural communities.
Beyond her professional role, Devin’s heart for service is woven throughout Wilkes County. She is a member of North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder and as Mission and Outreach Co-Chair, helping lead faith-based efforts rooted in compassion, justice, and service. She has also volunteered with Wilkes Rescue Group, driven by a deep love for animals — especially those who, like so many people, simply need a fresh start. A devoted dog lover and proud “rescue foster failure,” Devin believes healing often begins with care, patience, and unconditional love.
Family and community remain Devin’s greatest grounding forces. She is the proud mother of three children and treasures time spent with family, carrying forward the legacy of love, creativity, and generosity instilled by her parents. Her father’s belief that life should be lived in full color continues to guide her, as does her mother’s example of tireless dedication, resilience, and strength.
Devin Lyall’s story is one of transformation — from dancer to leader, from hardship to hope, and from personal resilience to collective impact. Through creativity, courage, and compassion, she continues to ensure that every voice matters, and that community — when rooted in care — can change lives.
The 12th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Gala will take place on May 21, 2026 at The Stone Center. The gala honors the selected inductees for their contributions and lasting influence to Wilkes County.
