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.

 

2024 Winner

Charissa

Charissa Miijessepe-Wilson
(MPA 2018)

“I nominate Charissa Miijessepe-Wilson for her work with Bears Ears Coalition, which has set an amazing precedent for increasing Tribal Stewardship of land. She has had to face significant challenges from funders, federal government representatives, and settler community resistance. Through it all the tribal coalition has held firm, in large part due to her leadership, fighting for the best interest of the community- human and more-than-human all. We cannot even begin to know the benefits we will receive from returning land to indigenous stewardship, and it takes a truly courageous person to step into a leadership position in this battle. She truly is a treasure of our community- both KUCIMAT and Indigenous.”

-- C. Ren Morton (2018) | Syracuse University


Past Winners

YearNameTitle/RetiredOrganization
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