Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced July 28 the induction of Charlotte “McGhee” Meckel into Positive Maturity’s Top 50 over 50.

The 2023 Top 50 over 50 honorees were recognized at the organization’s gala event on Thursday night in Birmingham.

Nominated by their fellow citizens, co-workers, family and friends, the honorees are change makers, and Meckel is no exception, according to officials.

Born and raised in the Poarch community, Meckel has a dedication to and compassion for her fellow Tribal Members who live both on tribal lands and in other parts of the world, PCI officials said.

Meckel lived and worked for many years in Germany, and she is known for dealing with Tribal issues with a sharp mind and open heart – an approach that has a positive impact on Poarch’s Tribal Members, officials said.

Meckel is following in the footsteps of her mother, the late Ernestine McGhee Daughtry, and her brother Jack Allen McGhee. She considers it an honor and privilege to serve her people by putting her education and vast knowledge and work experience to use on further diversifying the Tribe’s economic opportunities, according to a release. At present, she is serving a third term as Tribal Council Secretary, is the chair of the Records Committee and is part of the Tribe’s Executive Committee.

“We are thrilled that our very own Charlotte Meckel is being recognized by Positive Maturity as a recipient of its prestigious 50 over 50 award, said Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie Bryan. “Charlotte exemplifies the concept of positive maturity. She is a beloved leader in our Poarch community — not only for her service as a Tribal Council member, but also because of her unwavering faith in the future and the kindness she consistently shows others. I personally have always looked up to Charlotte, and I greatly value the contributions she has made to our Tribal government and to so many individuals and families in and around our home in Atmore.”

The Top 50 over 50 event was created in 2014 by Positive Maturity to recognize older adults in the community who find opportunities to make a difference and become a catalyst in the world. As one of the first senior organizations established in Jefferson County, Positive Maturity was originally created to assess and meet the needs of the aging population.

“Every year we look forward to the night when we get to publicly recognize these outstanding citizens for their community and philanthropic achievements,” said Penny Kakoliris, executive director. “It’s full of fun and special memories.”