Richard Vinroot Honored for Legacy of Community Leadership

Robinson Bradshaw attorney Richard A. Vinroot recently received two awards — the YMCA of Greater Charlotte's John R. Mott Award and the Rotary Club of Charlotte’s Excellence in Leadership Award — recognizing his lifetime commitment to the greater Charlotte community.

“We are proud — but not surprised — that Richard was chosen for these honors,” said Stephen Cox, managing partner of Robinson Bradshaw. “His entire career has been dedicated to public service and civic-mindedness, and these awards are additional testaments to those values.”

The John R. Mott Award is the highest honor presented by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, recognizing servant leadership, community commitment and extraordinary dedication to the YMCA's mission. Vinroot's service to the YMCA spans decades. As a former association board member and chair, he helped shape the long-term direction of the organization, and he also served as a trustee and as a member of the Harry Brace Leadership Award committee.

The Rotary Club of Charlotte’s Excellence in Leadership Award recognizes leaders who demonstrate extraordinary achievements in their profession, visionary leadership and execution, significant contributions for the good of the Charlotte region, civic-mindedness and community involvement, and humility in their success. Vinroot was mayor of Charlotte from 1991 to 1995 after serving eight years on the City Council. His leadership guided Charlotte through a period of significant growth and positioned the city for long-term economic and community development. Vinroot has also been active in other community organizations and his church, and he served on active duty in the U.S. Army as a Bronze Star Medal recipient.

“I’m proud to be a lifelong Charlottean,” said Vinroot. “My late wife, Judy, and I raised our family and built our careers here, always with a focus on serving our great city. Giving back to the Charlotte community is how I honor her memory.”

Vinroot’s 50-year litigation career at Robinson Bradshaw has focused on land use and zoning, real estate development and construction, and employment matters. He received his law degree and his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a John Motley Morehead Scholar and a varsity basketball player under legendary coach Dean Smith.