A social services chief at Vale of Glamorgan Council has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours list.
Jason Bennett, the council's head of adult services, was recognised for his services to social care.
In the past few years, he has also been involved with ADSS Cymru as part of an all-Wales group of directors who oversee adult services at their local authorities.
Mr Bennett said he was "truly honoured and humbled" to have been nominated for a New Year's honour.
"There are tens of thousands of people working in social care in Wales and I hope the award is seen not as a personal achievement, but as one that recognises the value and contribution social care makes in our society and dedicated workers who go above and beyond each and every day.", he added.
"My career has been one of amazing opportunities and I have had the privilege of meeting inspirational people at every stage of my journey."
"My first experience was as a teenager when my sister, an inspirational person in her own right asked me to help out for a few days in a Barnardo's summer playscheme for children with learning disabilities."
"The few days, became four weeks, and then four years and was the start of a lifelong career in social care."
"At 18, I started working in local government, a decision which has given me so many opportunities and I will always be grateful to the people who encouraged, persuaded and occasionally give me a needed nudge to develop my career."
"The last few years has given me another opportunity as the ADSS Cymru lead for Adult Services in Wales, another role I hadn't imagined doing, as it meant following in some very big footsteps."
"However, I have really enjoyed the role and hope I have had a positive impact during this time, and have managed to champion adult social care and the amazing work that happens across the sector."
"If being awarded the honour encourages other people to consider a career in social care then I will be really proud to have received it."
Cllr Eddie Williams, cabinet member for social care and health, added: "I'd like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Jason on this much-deserved honour. This award is a testament to his lifelong and unwavering commitment to improving adult social care services in the Vale and beyond."
"Thank you Jason for everything you do in support of our residents and the wider social care sector in Wales."
Other recipients from the Vale in the New Year's Honours list included Barry paramedic Dean Caldwell, who received an MBE for voluntary and charitable services to the community.
There were also MBEs for advertising executive Matthew Jones from Penarth, Home Office manager Julian Smith from Barry and Caroline Whittaker, a retired nursing leader, also from Penarth.
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