Within the 25,000-square-foot TARCOG building, rooms are more than just spaces—they carry the names of the people and places that built the region.
At the previous office, the large conference room honored longtime Executive Director Bob Culver. In the new building, the largest conference room still bears his name.
Conference rooms throughout the building are also named for the five counties TARCOG serves.
The Marshall County Conference Room is located inside the first-floor Executive Administrative Office. The Jackson County Conference Room sits between the Executive Administrative Office and the Finance Department. The Madison County Staff Lounge is also on the first floor.
Upstairs, more names—and stories—continue.
The DeKalb County Conference Room is located in the Area Agency on Aging Programs section, while the Limestone County Conference Room sits within the agency’s administrative offices.
One of the most personal tributes belongs to Delwyn “Del” Schafer, who marked 50 years with TARCOG in November. The Economic Development & Planning office now bears his name.
Placing the Delwyn “Del” Schafer ED&P Office on the front door ensures his legacy will not be forgotten, said department director Lee Terry.
For half a century, Schafer has been a steady force behind millions of dollars in grants that have shaped communities across DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, and Marshall counties—funding splash pads, senior centers, infrastructure, community facilities, and emergency equipment.
True to form, Del was reluctant about the recognition—until a last-minute challenge changed his mind.
“If I get this over the finish line, then we can leave my name there,” he said with a laugh, referring to a grant he was asked to completely rewrite for a new project with less than a week before the deadline. And he got it done.
The building tour revealed just how meaningful the names have become. Several visitors paused to find rooms named for their home counties—stopping to take photos along the way.
Another upstairs space honors Nancy Robertson, with the training room bearing her name. Nancy spent 42 years at TARCOG, retiring in 2019 when Michelle took over the executive director’s role.
She started working at TARCOG in 1977 and during her employment she worked in various positions in the Area Agency on Aging until 1984, when she became the Director of Aging Programs, giving direction to services and supports that assist senior citizens in the five-county region. In 2013, she became TARCOG’s executive director upon the retirement of Bob Culver.
Nancy was moved to tears during a private unveiling of the nameplate by Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan.
“This is our new home,” Michelle said. “TARCOG began 58 years ago, and many people helped get us to where we are today. We don’t want to forget them—or the counties and communities we serve. This is one way we can recognize them.”
