Special districts and the individuals that support their efforts are consistently giving back to their communities in various ways including creating top-notch programs, offering incredible customer service, and volunteering time. The SDAO Awards Program gives recognition to these districts, board members, managers, employees and volunteers to celebrate their ingenuity, creativity, diversity, and commitment to excellence.

2023 SDAO Award Winners

Press Release: SDAO Honors Special Districts and Individuals (February 15, 2023)

2023 SDAO Awards Program Award Recipients

Outstanding Special District Program Award
Special districts are recognized for innovative projects and programs, outstanding safety, public information, public involvement in a district decision-making process, and outstanding achievement.

• 5 or Fewer Employees:  White River Health District – Awards Video
• 26 or More Employees:  Deschutes Public Library – Awards Video

Outstanding Special District Service Award
This category recognizes an individual board member, manager, staff member, or volunteer who has contributed substantially to the improvement and successful operation of his or her district.

• Board Member:  John Dunn, Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority – Awards Video
• Manager: Bev Bridgewater, West Extension Irrigation District – Awards Video
• Employee:  Rob Cummings, Clackamas River Water – Awards Video
• Volunteer: Sunriver Public Safety Building Task Force, Sunriver Service District – Awards Video

Legislative Leadership Award
This award recognizes a member of Oregon’s legislature who has consistently gone above and beyond for Oregon’s special districts. 

• Senator Cedric Hayden – Awards Video

Awards Program FAQ

How do I submit an application?
Complete the SDAO Awards Program nomination form. Please respond to each question, attaching additional pages if necessary. Submit completed nomination forms to SDAO, PO Box 12613, Salem, Oregon 97309-0613 or email them to sdao@sdao.com. Nomination forms must be received by October 7th 2022 to be considered.

How are entries judged? 
The Awards Committee will review nominations in late-October 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 happens if the district or individual I nominate wins? 
Nominators and award winners will be notified in November 2022. SDAO will provide winner contact information to our videographer to schedule a date and time to do a video interview. Videos will be showcased at the 2023 SDAO Annual Conference, which will be held at Sunriver Resort in February 2023 and on our website. Winners will also be mailed their award and a DVD copy of their video.

Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Quisenberry at 800-285-5461 or email jquisenberry@ sdao.com.