NASPEs Awards Program

The NASPEs Awards Program is an annual program designed to recognize great accomplishments in state human resource management. This prestigious program includes the Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Program and Leadership Awards as well as the Eva N. Santos Communications Award and the Advancing the HR Profession Award.

These awards highlight the innovative leadership practices either with an individual’s lead or with a cutting-edge program. The NASPEs winners are recognized during the NASPE Annual Meeting each summer.

Requirements

Nominations from dues-paying states are considered for eligibility. Nominated leaders and programs should have a positive effect on the administration of state human resource programs. A state’s central human resource department or line agency human resource operations may administer nominated programs.

Programs and projects must have been operational for at least six months and must be transferable to other states. Selection criteria are based on the questions asked on the award application. Nominations are encouraged in all areas of human resource management administration, but not limited to:

Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Awards

These awards, established in memory of Eugene H. Rooney, Jr., who served as NASPE President at a time of great growth for the organization. The program recognizes innovative state human resource management practices that ensure access and equity while enhancing productivity and service delivery. It also recognizes individuals who exemplify the character, qualities and influence that Rooney had on state personnel administration.

NASPE presents an award to one program and one individual (for leadership) during the NASPE Annual Conference.

Rooney Award: Innovative State Human Resource Management Program

Please include the following information in the electronic nomination: Program Title, State, Contact Person, Title, Agency, Mailing Address, Telephone, Fax, and e-mail. Nominations should be submitted via e-mail to Leslie Scott at [email protected] in Word or PDF format.

Format & Criteria

Please attach a one-page summary of the program and prepare a narrative answer for the questions listed below. Do not send supporting documentation. Provide a narrative answer for each of the following questions. You are limited to four pages (based on regular 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper double-spaced in 12-point font) in addition to a brief program summary, not to exceed one-page. The four-page limit does not include the one-page summary.

1. Please provide a brief description of this program.
2. How long has this program been operational (month and year)?
3. Why was this program created? (What problem[s] or issues does it address?)
4. Why is this program a new and creative method?
5. What was the program’s start-up costs? (Provide detailed information about specific purchases for this program, staffing needs and other expenditures, as well as existing materials, technology and staff already in place.)
6. What are the program’s operational costs?
7. How is this program funded?
8. Did this program originate in your state?
9. Are you aware of similar programs in other states?If yes, how does this program differ?
10. How do you measure the success of this program?
11. How has the program grown and/or changed since its inception?

Rooney Award: Leadership in State Human Resource Management (Individual)

Please include the following information in the electronic nomination: Nominee, Title, State, Agency, Telephone, Fax, E-mail, and brief biography (one paragraph in length). Also include the following: Nominator’s Name, Title, State, Agency, Address, Telephone, Fax, and e-mail. Nominations should be submitted via e-mail to Leslie Scott at [email protected] in Word or PDF format.

Format & Criteria

Provide a narrative answer for each of the following questions. You are limited to four-pages (based on regular 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper double-spaced in 12-point font). Also, provide one letter endorsing the nominee’s achievement. Do not send supporting documentation.

1. Describe how the nominee has demonstrated leadership by participating on major state government committees, task forces and/or special projects related to state human resource management.
2. Describe how the nominee has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the field of human resource management beyond your state human resources organization.
3. Describe the nominee's leadership and/or management skills in implementing human resource management programs.
4. Describe how the nominee has demonstrated leadership within the NASPE organization in support of NASPE’s mission to share information on human resource issues so that members can better achieve their state’s mission and business objectives. Include evidence of local or national acclaim in the field and influence on other states’ personnel executives.
5. Describe any relevant state human resource management programs or initiatives that were successful because of the nominee’s involvement.

Eva N. Santos Communications Award

The Eva N. Santos Communication Awards were named in memory of Eva N. Santos, who served as NASPE president and through her leadership sought to recognize excellence in state government HR Communication. Winners of the Award are recognized during the NASPE Annual Meeting. In addition, award-winning efforts will be publicized in press releases, letters to governors and policymakers, and the media.

Nominations for the Communications Awards may include but are not limited to:

Annual Report: Communications piece that provides the reader with meaningful data regarding the status of the state’s workforce and the operation of the state’s human resource system.

Any Formal HR Report: Document published for a broad audience, including, but not limited to the legislature, governor, state agencies, state workforce, concerned citizens, etc. May include reports on workforce development, workforce planning, compensation awards/incentive programs, benefits or related topics.
Workforce Plan: Document which presents and analyzes workforce trends and issue and forecasts future
conditions and objectives for effective workforce management.
Poster: A single sheet, advertising or promotional piece intended for mounting and display for product, service, or event.
Newsletter: A printed or online communication device, published more than twice yearly, with distribution to a specific audience including news or updated information.
Brochure: Multiple-page/panel piece that advertises, presents or describes the advantages, capabilities, worth and/or reasons to use a product or service.
Website: internet site which features your department or a specific aspect of a department or initiative.
Recruiting Communication Strategy: Communication method, through print or online publication, used as a recruiting tool and/or to enhance recruitment within a department
Public Service Announcement
Commercial

Narrative:

(Please prepare answers to questions listed below. It is advisable to keep the responses to no more than four pages total.)
1. Provide a brief description of the submission
2. How long has the submission been inexistence?
3. Why was the submission created?
4. How does this submission support the goals and objectives of your agenda/department?

 Advancing the HR Profession Award

The HR professional's role continues to evolve from transactional to strategic. This award will recognize programs and efforts within state government by providing professional development opportunities, facilitating communication and networking between HR at all levels and promoting a sense of value and community in HR work.

Format & Criteria

Please include the following information in the electronic nomination: Program/Effort Title, State, Contact Peson, Title, Agency, Mailing Address, Telephone and E-mail. Nominations should be submitted via e-mail to Leslie Scott at [email protected] in Word or PDF. You may also provide links to websites as part of your nomination.

1. Please provide a brief description of this program.
2. How long has this program or effort been operational?
3. Why was this program/effort created?
4. What are the costs of this program/effort?
5. How is the program/effort funded?
6. How do you measure the success of this program/effort?
7. How has the program/effort changed since its inception?

2018 Nomination Forms

• Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Program Award 2018 
• Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Leadership Award 2018 
• Eva N. Santos Communications Award 2018 
• Advancing the HR Profession Award 2018 

To view a list of previous winners, visit the NASPEs Hall of Fame page.