ASPA's Chapter-Sponsored Awards

Arizona Chapter
The Arizona Chapter presents the following awards each spring:

Management: This award recognizes Chief Executive Officers and Administrators whose executive leadership has resulted in a high level of organizational effectiveness in providing service to citizens and who have demonstrated exceptional staff teamwork and morale. These individuals may provide guidance and mentoring to staff at various levels of the organization with whom they share their knowledge and expertise.

Academician: This award recognizes outstanding educators in the field of public administration. These educators are respected by their peers, students, and other facility for outstanding performance in the field of public administration. They are typically involved in organizations that also further public service.

Team: This award recognizes teams of individuals from one or more organizations and citizens that have joined their talents to solve complex problems creatively, and to improve total quality in public service.

Public/Community Service: This award recognized individuals who have devoted considerable time and energy successfully promoting better government or whose leadership has advanced human dignity or improved the quality of life for the community. These individuals – whether elected or appointed officials or volunteers – typically are noted for writing, speaking, organizing support for government programs, or advising on effective ways to deliver services to the public.

Supervisor: This award recognizes individuals whose supervisory skills and efforts have resulted in a high level of operational effectiveness and have demonstrated exceptional work group performance and positive morale. These individuals are looked up to by their staff for their leadership and guidance and typically serve as mentors for their staff.

Individual Contributor: This award recognizes individuals whose job performance has demonstrated sustained creativity, resourcefulness, and dedication. These individuals have made significant contributions to public services through their professional specialty and achievement of their organization's goals and objectives. They are admired by colleagues, supervisors, and citizens for their positive attitude and for the quality and quantity of work they perform.

Arkansas Chapter
The Arkansas Chapter presents the Arkansas Administrator of the Year each spring.

CenTex Chapter
The CenTex Chapter presents the following awards each May:

• Public Administrator of the Year (Two Categories: Elected Official and Professional)
• James W. McGrew Public Policy Research Award (Two Categories: Student and Professional)
• Public Administration Professor of the Year

Empire State Capital Area Chapter
The Empire State Capital Area Chapter presents the following awards at its annual awards dinner:

• Governor Alfred E. Smith Award
• Governor Charles Evans Hughes Award
• Frank C. Moore Award
• New Public Administrator Award

Evergreen Chapter
The Evergreen Chapter presents the following awards during its Annual Public Service Awards Program:

• ASPA Singular Exemplary Award
• ASPA Sustained Exemplary Achievement Award
• State and Local Exemplary Awards

Greater Cincinnati Chapter
The Greater Cincinnati Chapter hosts awards for Administrator of the Year. The categories are:

PROGRAM EXCELLENCE

This award is open to any unit of government (department, agency, division, bureau, office, academic department, etc.) or nonprofit organization that has distinguished itself through a program or initiative that shows exceptional productivity, performance, effectiveness or innovation that has provided highly responsive service to its customers, and demonstrated government's value and effectiveness.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT

This award is presented to an individual who, through his or her career in Public Administration, has demonstrated a tradition of excellence through outstanding achievements and commitment to the ethics and standards of the profession of public service, not only in his or her career, but also through active participation and leadership in professional and service organizations.

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR

This award recognizes individuals whose job performance has demonstrated sustained creativity, resourcefulness, and dedication. These individuals have made significant contributions to public services through their professional specialty and achievement of their organization's goals and objectives. They are admired by colleagues, supervisors, and citizens for their positive attitude and for the quality and quantity of work they perform.

EARLY CAREERIST

Presented to an individual who, though early in his or her career, has demonstrated the dedication and commitment to the ideals ethics, and professionalism required to pursue a career in public administration and public service. Such an individual may also demonstrate his or her enthusiasm and commitment to the tenets of public administration via involvement in professional and/or public service organizations.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Presented to an individual in a support role. This award goes to someone who has demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and efficiency in providing support to an individual or organization engaged in public administration activities. Examples of support service personnel might range from receptionists to administrative assistants.

STUDENT AWARD

This award is presented to an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student who has shown interest in public and nonprofit administration beyond their classroom work, has performed exceptionally well in public administration courses, and has applied insights of public administration and public policy to his/her campus activities. Members and non-members of ASPA are eligible for this award.

For more information, and an application, please visit http://www.aspaonline.org/grcinn/awards.html

Greater Kansas City Chapter
The Greater Kansas City Chapter presents the following awards at their annual awards dinner each May:

Public Administrator of the Year Awards: The Administrator of the Year Awards are presented to professionals in the federal, state and local, academic and not-for-profit fields for outstanding performance in the practice and teaching of public administration in the Greater Kansas City area.

L.P. Cookingham Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Administration: The L.P. Cookingham Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Administration is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to public administration over an extended period of time.

Crisis Management Award: The Crisis Management Award recognizes the outstanding performance of public administrators faced with a crisis situation.

Recognition of Special Contributions to the Greater Kansas City Chapter: The award for Special Contributions to the Greater Kansas City Chapter is given to a member of the Chapter to recognize his or her exceptional dedication and contributions.

Stanley Fisher Memorial Awards: The Stanley Fisher Memorial Awards for Outstanding Graduate and Undergraduate Students of Public Administration are presented annually to students who have shown interest in public administration beyond their classroom work, have performed exceptionally well in public administration courses, and have applied insights of public administration to their campus activities. Stanley Fisher was city manager of Warrensburg, Missouri. He was tragically killed in an automobile accident on April 30, 1966, when he was President-Elect of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of ASPA. This award is presented in honor of him and his contributions to public administration.

Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann Student Essay Award: The Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann Student Essay Award is awarded to a high school student who submits the best essay on a topic selected by the Chapter relating to public administration. The award is designed to honor Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann, one of the founding members of the chapter.

Gulf Coast (Florida) Chapter
The Gulf Coast Chapter presents two awards each spring: The Public Administrator of the Year Award and the Derek Heskett Award.

Hampton Roads Chapter
The Hampton Roads Chapter presents two awards each May to local public administrators:

The Julian F. Hirst Award for Distinguished Services (Age 35 and up): Awarded to a Hampton Roads Public Administrator who is 35 years old or older and best exemplifies the criteria set forth for distinguished service in public administration.  The award is named after Julian F. Hirst who served as City Manager of Norfolk from 1975 until retirement in 1985.  His experience and dedication as a Virginia public administrator extends beyond Hampton Roads.  A native of Purcellville, Virginia, Mr. Hirst also served as Town Manager for Pearisburg and Pulaski.  In addition, he served as City Manager for Martinsville and Roanoke.  His role as Executive Director of the Virginia Municipal League further enriched his public administration career. As a resident of Norfolk, Mr. Hirst influence continues throughout the community.

The George Robert House, Jr. Award for Outstanding Service (Under Age 35): Awarded to a Hampton Roads Public Administrator who is less than 35 years of age and has demonstrated the key characteristics outlined in the award criteria.  The award is named after George Robert House, Jr. who served as City Manager of Bedford, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk and Portsmouth in addition to two managerial posts in North Carolina.  In a May/June 1990 Virginia Review article entitled, “Statesmanship, Leadership, Mentorship: The Bob House Era of Excellence,” Mr. House's contributions are well documented.  He was tragically killed in an airplane crash in 1982, but his influence continues to persist through the numerous public administrators he mentored.

The recipients of these awards must meet the following criteria:

• Record of outstanding performance in public service.
• Unusual leadership, creativity, integrity, and response to challenge.
• Dedication to democratic ideals.
• Sensitivity to the need to adapt government to changing problems.
• Commitment to professionalism and development of useful skills.

Inland Empire Chapter Annual Awards Program
Annually in June, the Inland Empire Chapter of ASPA recognizes outstanding achievement in the area of public administration at an awards luncheon. Nominees are accepted who exhibit outstanding service to others and/or personal achievement.

Award Categories:

A. Outstanding Elected Official
Eligibility: An individual who is currently serving in an elective office and who directly represents residents of a city, county or district in Riverside and/or San Bernardino County.

B. Outstanding Senior Administrator
Eligibility: A person who has served in a high level administrative capacity for at least 3 years or has retired or resigned from such position within the previous 12 months; has made notable, positive contributions to an organization's efficiency, morale or economics.

C. Outstanding Administrator - Education
Eligibility: A person whose primary employment or vocation is in the field of education, either as a teacher, counselor, researcher or fundraiser and has made notable, positive contributions to an organization's efficiency, morale or economics.

D. Outstanding Rising Administrator
Eligibility: A person who is currently serving in a public administrative capacity which includes significant responsibility for planning, budget and/or analytical oversight and independent judgment and has made notable, positive contributions to an organization's efficiency, morale or economics.

Kansas Chapter
Each May, the Kansas Chapter presents the Mike Harder Public Administrator of the Year Award and two Outstanding Graduate Student in Public Administration Awards (Kansas State University and the University of Kansas).

Las Vegas Chapter
Public Administrator of the Year - The Administrator of the Year Award is a tribute to public service practitioners whose careers exhibit the highest standards of excellence, dedication, and accomplishment. Nominations should provide an overall picture of the nominee's achievements, performance, and contributions to public service with consideration to the following factors:

• Contributions this person has made in public service, community service, or education.
• Examples of significant results that have been achieved.
• Innovative ideas that have been recognized and/or implemented.
• Overall distinguished quality of work performed.
• Work experience and/or accomplishments
• Education, training, and community service activities

This award is traditionally given in May. For more information, please contact:

Barbara Bell
Senior Management Analyst
Clark County ODC
500 S. Grand Central Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89155-1757
Phone: (702) 455-2149
Fax: (702) 455-2311

Los Angeles Metropolitan Chapter
The Los Angeles Metropolitan Chapter presents the following awards at its annual banquet:

Clarence A. Dykstra Award for Excellence in Government: This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the practice of public administration (emphasis on a singular significant accomplishment).

Harry Scoville Award for Academic Excellence: This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to public administration through teaching, research, writing and related activities.

Will Baughman Chapter Development Award: This award is presented to a member who has made a significant or sustained contribution to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration.

Henry Reining Outstanding Organization Award: This award is presented to an organization whose accomplishments have significantly contributed to good government or improved quality of life in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area.

Earl Warren Outstanding Public Service Award: This award is presented to a civic leader who has made an outstanding, sustained contribution to good government in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area.

Winston Crouch Award for Innovation in Government: This award is presented to an individual or organization which has developed new and creative approaches to providing public services.

Tom Bradley Equal Opportunity Award: This award is presented to an individual or organization which has successfully promoted equal opportunity in the workplace or the community.

Maryland Chapter
Maryland Chapter ASPA awards outstanding public service in three categories: local public service, state public service, and federal public service. Visit the chapter web site for more information.

Massachusetts Chapter
The Massachusetts Chapter presents the following awards at its annual banquet in May:

• Distinguished Public Citizen Award
• Distinguished Public Administrator Award
• Outstanding Student of Public Administration Award

Michigan Capital Area Chapter
These awards are given out each spring, at the annual public service awards banquet. For nomination or other information on the Michigan Capital Chapter awards, please contact Craig Thiel at cthiel@senate.state.mi.us.

Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Service Award
Selected by the Chapter Board to honor an individual for their long-term, sustained commitment to public service throughout their career.

Public Service Award in State Government

Eligibility & Criteria: Candidates should be expert public administrators who are active in state government in the tri-county area. Candidates should be making significant contributions to improve the quality of Michigan's citizens. Candidates in this category should be demonstrating a positive impact on public service at the state level through innovative service, expert policy development, quality public advocacy or particularly effective projects.

Public Service Award in Local Government
Eligibility & Criteria: Candidates should be active in local government in the tri-county area. Candidates should be making significant contributions to improve the quality of citizens in their jurisdiction. Candidates in this category should be demonstrating a positive impact on public service at the local level through innovative service, quality programming, organizational change or particularly effective projects.

Public Service Award in Academia
Eligibility & Criteria: Candidates should be making significant contributions to the public in an educational setting in the tri-county area. Candidates in this category should be demonstrating a positive influence on public administrators or citizens through teaching, innovative public service, special projects, or research.

Public Administration Scholarship
Eligibility & Criteria: Candidates have to be enrolled in a graduate level public administration course in the previous calendar year. Candidates must have a faculty sponsor and letter of support for a manuscript not to exceed 30 pages, double-spaced. Entries are judged on the relevance of the topic, appropriate use of methodology, quality of presentation, originality, innovativeness, and clarity. The scholarship includes a $750 award.

National Capital Area Chapter (NCAC)
NCAC presents the following awards at a ceremony each spring:

President’s Award for Outstanding Public Service: The President’s Award recognizes outstanding recent contributions in the field of public administration. Honorees are people who have made contributions, especially innovations, in policy and management through action or scholarly.

Government Executive Leadership Award: The Government Executive Leadership Award recognizes individuals for their leadership in achieving public policy, breaking down barriers between political appointees and civil service executives, and between executive and legislative branches and improving the public’s regard for government.

The Elmer B. Staats Award for Accountability: The Elmer B. Staats Award recognizes individuals or organizations for excelling in studies or analyses of the effectiveness of government programs. Criteria include the innovative nature of the studies, its scope and impact, and recognition of its importance by peers in the field.

Nebraska Chapter
The Nebraska Chapter presents two awards each year: one to an outstanding elected official, the other to an outstanding public administrator.

New Jersey Chapter
The New Jersey Chapter presents the following awards each spring:

• Public Administrator of the Year
• Outstanding Journalism/Media Award
• New Jersey ASPA Achievement Award
• Joseph E. McLean Chapter Service/Development Award
• New Jersey ASPA Student Essay Contest

New York Metropolitan Chapter
The New York Metropolitan Chapter presents the following awards each spring:

• Outstanding Leader in Public Affairs Award
• Award for Outstanding Public Administrator
• Award for Outstanding Academic
• Outstanding Public Administrator in the Northeast Region Award
• Outstanding Volunteer Award
• Outstanding Students Awards

Northern Virginia Chapter
Each spring, the Northern Virginia Chapter presents the following awards:

The Hodding Carter Outstanding Journalism Award: Designed to recognize an individual or group for exemplary news coverage of a public program, issue or event. The coverage informed the public while recognizing public service at its best and demonstrated concern that the reporting assist the mission and goals of public service.

Public Service Award: Recognizes an individual, private institution or public organization for promoting the role and ideals of public administration. Nominees must live, work or be located in Northern Virginia. Those eligible include: government agencies, state, local or federal employees, and private or non-profit employees or institutions. The nominee should show evidence of significant and continuing contributions to public administration through conferences, programs, presentations, writing or other substantive projects.

Public Administrator/New Professional Award: Awarded to a NOVAC chapter member with less than five years of full-time service in the public sector who has made a significant contribution to the chapter and to public service. There is no age criterion for this award. Nominees should be active members of the chapter, have a record of outstanding public service, show evidence of outstanding leadership, integrity, creativity and response to challenge, show dedication to democratic ideals, demonstrate sensitivity to government's challenges, and maintain a commitment to professionalism and to the development of useful skills.

The Kathy Hensley Award for Distinguished Chapter Service: Awarded to the chapter member who has served the chapter for five years or more and made significant contributions to the chapter.

Special Achievement Award: Awarded to the NOVAC chapter member who has performed in a particularly outstanding manner on a specific project or contributed to the chapter in some significant way during a one-year period. Among those eligible are council members, chairs of chapter committees, and newsletter editor.

Outstanding Student Award: Awarded to a full or part time student member of the chapter, majoring in public administration or public affairs, who has made a significant contribution to the chapter.

Santa Clara Valley Chapter
The Santa Clara Valley Chapter presents awards for Outstanding Public Administrator and Outstanding Public Administration Program on an annual basis. The Chapter also recognizes Honorable Mention nominees. The Chapter generally schedules its awards ceremony during or near Public Service Recognition Week.

Western Michigan Chapter

SCOPE AND PURPOSE
In furtherance of the ideals and goals of outstanding public administration, the West Michigan Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) has established an annual awards program to recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals in the following categories:

MEMBER OF THE YEAR: This award recognizes the outstanding contribution of one member to, or on behalf of, the West Michigan Chapter of ASPA, or to an outstanding public administrator of the preceding year. This award is open only to current members of the West Michigan Chapter of ASPA.

PUBLIC SERVICE PRACTITIONER/GOVERNMENT: This award recognizes practitioners in the public sector for outstanding service and contributions in the field of public service and public policy. Members and non-members of ASPA are eligible for this award.

PUBLIC SERVICE PRACTITIONER/NONPROFIT: This award recognizes practitioners in the non-profit sector for outstanding service and contributions in the field of public service and public policy. Members and non-members of ASPA are eligible for this award.

ACADEMIC: Members of the academic community who have contributed to the field of public and nonprofit administration and service through teaching, research, and the promotion of its ideals and values are eligible for this award. Open to members and non-members of ASPA.

STUDENT: This award is available to undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship in the study of public and nonprofit administration and public policy. Members and non-members of ASPA are eligible for this award.

Wisconsin Capital Chapter
The Wisconsin Capital Chapter presents the following awards each year:

Administrator of the Year
A current or recently retired head of a unit of government (department, agency, division, etc.) who has, during the past five years, demonstrated outstanding leadership in providing responsive customer service, successfully dealing with organizational change, improving operations, or achieving other significant results.

Supervisor of the Year
A current or recently retired supervisor who has, during the past five years, demonstrated strong people-management skills; the ability to develop and motivate staff members; and success in creating and maintaining a positive, equal opportunity, and safe work environment.

Professional of the Year
A current or recently-retired public servant who has demonstrated a high degree of program knowledge and expertise, a commitment to customer service, innovative ideas and approaches, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to professional standards and the public service. The achievement(s) must have occurred during the last 10 years.

Distinguished Service
Any current or former government employee, in any capacity or at any level, who has during his or her career made significant contributions in the field of public administration, including leadership and commitment to quality public service.

Special Recognition
Any current or former public or private sector employee (in any capacity or at any level), or any group or organization, who has made significant contributions to public service or the field of public administration, or has improved the public image of government, and typically would not receive recognition.

Public Service Organization of the Year
Any unit of government (department, agency, division, bureau, office, academic department, etc.) that has distinguished itself by exceptional productivity, performance, effectiveness or innovation that has provided highly responsive service to its customers, and demonstrated government’s value and effectiveness. The achievements must have occurred during the past five years.