Skills Contest Divisions and Categories

10. Individual Awards

10a) Founder’s Award
The first Founder's Award was presented in 1989 to Keith Rounds of Wyoming. Subsequent awards have displayed either the "Founder's Award" or "Distinguished Service" title. The award is presented to individuals who have made long-term positive impacts on the public affairs profession, and served as a member of the AASHTO Subcommittee on Public Affairs in the capacity as a regional representative, awards or site selection committee member, member of the Executive Team, or host of the National Transportation Public Affairs Workshop.

Nominations are accepted year-round. Presentations are made when appropriate to those selected to receive the award. There is no guarantee that an award will be made each year. There is also no limit on the number of awards that may be presented in a single year. See the nomination information below.

Previous winners:

Keith Rounds Art Taylor Photo not available photo of Dick Adorjan
Keith Rounds
Wyoming
1989 and 1999
Art Taylor
Missouri
1990
Hannah Whitney
AASHTO
1991
Dick Adorjan
Illinois
2000
Sue Cox John Stanley Henry Hungerbeeler Linda Thelke
Sue Cox
Missouri
2002
John Stanley
Maine
2002
Henry Hungerbeeler, former director of the Missouri DOT
2004
Linda Thelke, Wisconsin DOT
2004
Lynda South Dena Gray-Fisher Donna Purcell Mayes  
Lynda J. South
Virginia DOT
2006
Dena Gray-Fisher, Iowa DOT
2007
Donna Purcell Mayes
Virginia DOT
2008
 

Method of electronic submittal:
Not applicable – nominees for the Founder’s Award are accepted by the Executive Committee throughout the year

Periodically awarded by the Executive Committee

Send your entry to the vice-chair of the Subcommittee on Public Affairs:


Luanne Grandinetti
Communications Manager
Tennessee Department of Transportation
505 Deaderick St., Suite 700
James K. Polk Bldg.
Nashville, TN 37343
Ph: 615-741-2331
Fax: 651-741-9093
E-mail: Luanne.Grandinetti@state.tn.us

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10b) Public Relations Professional of the Year
An individual who demonstrates superior professional character; exhibits exemplary professional achievements; creates a positive impact on the communications profession and department in which they work; and has earned the respect of peers and coworkers

Previous winners:

Dana Alexander Nolfe Dana Alexander Nolfe
Dana
Alexander Nolfe, Rhode Island DOT
2007

Shane Peck

Missouri DOT

2008

 

Method of electronic submittal:
Microsoft Word document, maximum one page, single line spaced
NOTE: No project profile sheet is required for this category

Judged by the Executive Committee

Send your entry to the vice-chair of the Subcommittee on Public Affairs:
Luanne Grandinetti
Communications Manager
Tennessee Department of Transportation
505 Deaderick St., Suite 700
James K. Polk Bldg.
Nashville, TN 37343
Ph: 615-741-2331
Fax: 651-741-9093
E-mail: Luanne.Grandinetti@state.tn.us

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10c) Special Recognition Award
The Special Recognition Award is presented periodically in recognition
of the unique contributions, unprecedented efforts or achievements of
individuals, public figures or organizations, in advancing the causes
and work of the Subcommittee on Public Affairs

Nominations are accepted year-round. Presentations are made when
appropriate to those selected to receive the award. There is no
guarantee that an award will be made each year. There is also no limit
on the number of awards that may be presented in a single year.

Note: Entries into this category do not count toward the maximum 6 entries that a state can submit.

Method of electronic submittal:
Not applicable – nominees for the Special Recognition Award are accepted by the Executive Committee throughout the year.

Periodically awarded by the Executive Committee

2007 award recipient was Sunny Schust of AASHTO for her involvement in the 50th Anniversary of the Interstate celebration in 2006.

Previous winners:

Sunny Schust, Caltrans
Sunny Schust, AASHTO
2007



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