SDAO Awards Program

What is the SDAO Awards Program?
    The Special Districts Association of Oregon’s Awards Program gives recognition to member districts for accomplishments which allow them to provide better service to the public and honors individuals who have greatly contributed to the success of their organization. These awards celebrate the ingenuity, creativity, and diversity of our members. Within this program are two special recognition awards; the Outstanding Special District Program award, and the Outstanding Special District Service award. Winning either award is the highest level of professional acknowledgment within the realm of local government today. 

Awards flyer will be available in spring 2018.

2018 Outstanding Special District Service Award Recipients

Outstanding Special District Service Award: Board Member
  
Ted Schoenborn, Bend Metro Park & Recreation District
Awards Video


Outstanding Special District Service Award: Manager
  
Ernie Palmer, Basin Transit District 
Awards Video


Outstanding Special District Service Award: Employee
  
Vicki McKelvy, North Unit Irrigation District 
Awards Video


Outstanding Special District Service Award: Volunteer
  
Samantha Carter, Westridge Water Supply
Awards Video


2018 Lifetime Educational Achievement Award

Craig Shinn, Portland State University
Awards Video
Outstanding Special District Services
This award category recognizes individuals who have contributed substantially to the improvement and successful operation of his or her special district.

Four subcategories have been established for this award:
  • Board Member
  • Manager (Nomination must be submitted by the district's board of directors.)
  • Employee (Nomination must be submitted by the district's manager.)
  • Volunteer
SDAO Board of Directors and SDIS Board of Trustees members are ineligible to be nominated for this award.

2018 Outstanding Special District Program Award Recipients

Outstanding Special District Program Award: 5 or Fewer Employees

Aumsville Rural Fire Protection District
Awards Video


Outstanding Special District Program Award: 6-25 Employees

Sisters Park and Recreation District
Awards Video


Outstanding Special District Program Award: 26+ Employees

Salem Area Mass Transit District (Cherriots)
Awards Video
Outstanding Special District Program Award

This award category recognizes innovative projects and programs, outstanding safety, public information, public involvement in a district decision making process, and outstanding achievement.

Efforts in these areas are considered in light of available resources (i.e., smaller districts may have significantly fewer resources than larger districts); therefore, three subcategories have been established for this award:
  • Districts with 5 or fewer employees
  • Districts with 6 to 25 employees
  • District with 26 or more employees

 

Awards Program FAQ

How do I submit an application?
Complete the SDAO Awards Program nomination form by responding to each question, attaching additional pages if necessary. Applicants are encouraged to include video footage if available. See the catergories above to download a nomination form.

We are currently accepting nominations for 2018-19 which will be awarded at the SDAO Annual Conference on February 9, 2019. The application deadline is October 8, 2018. Submit completed nomination form(s) to: SDAO, PO Box 12613, Salem, Oregon 97309-0613. The flyer and nomination forms will be available in spring 2018.

How are entries judged? 
Applications will be reviewed by the awards committee members using standard evaluation features such as: impact for other districts, positive results, special purpose, increased safety, cost savings, improved quality of service, innovation, and community need.

What do I do if I win? 
Winners may accept the award in person at the SDAO Annual Conference Awards Banquet on February 9, 2019 in Sunriver. Recipients who are unable to attend the conference may have someone accept the award on their behalf, or may request to have their award mailed to them.

Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions, please contact MemberServices@sdao.com at 800-285-5461.