Edwin O. Stene Award for Managerial Excellence

This award recognizes individuals who have performed in an exceptional manner in the management of the organization in which they are employed.

This may include the establishment of a new and innovative program, resolution of a difficult organizational problem, completion of a long-term organization goal, or for tangible commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our profession.

 

2025 Winner

Justin Unger headshot

Justin Unger
(MPA 2005)

"Justin’s leadership was instrumental in modernizing business services across the NPS. He championed policies that increased transparency, improved efficiency, and expanded equitable access to public lands for millions of visitors. His ability to resolve complex organizational challenges, such as balancing financial sustainability with public accessibility, reflects both innovation and courage in leadership."

Justin Unger - Award and Nomination Story

Past Winners

YearNameTitle/RetiredOrganization
2025Justin UngerSenior Vice President of StrategyExplorUS
2024Charissa Miijessepa-WilsonCo-FounderBears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition
2023Clint KinneyTown ManagerSnowmass Village, CO
2023Eric RochePolicy AdvisorUnited States Treasury
2022Kelly HoughtelingDeputy Town AdministratorWellington, CO
2021Travis MachalekTown AdministratorEstes Park, CO
2021Nolan KloudaExecutive DirectorUniversity of Alaska Center for Economic Development
2020Sam HoghtelingTitleStraayer Center, Colorado State University
2020Steve PowersCity ManagerCity of Salem, OR
2019Kelly GreunkeBudget Operations ManagerCity/County of Denver, CO
2018Chuck CowardRetiredIndian Rocks Beach, FL
2017Hannes ZachariasRetiredJohnson County KS
2014Sherilyn LombosCity ManagerTualatin, OR
2013Clay PearsonCity ManagerNovi, MN
2012Carol GonzalezCity ManagerCity of Shawnee, KS
2012Susan ShermanAssistant City ManagerOlathe, KS