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 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
| Year | Name | Title/Retired | Organization |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Charissa Miijessepa-Wilson | Co-Founder | Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition |
| 2023 | Clint Kinney | Town Manager | Snowmass Village, CO |
| 2023 | Eric Roche | Policy Advisor | United States Treasury |
| 2022 | Kelly Houghteling | Deputy Town Administrator | Wellington, CO |
| 2021 | Travis Machalek | Town Administrator | Estes Park, CO |
| 2021 | Nolan Klouda | Executive Director | University of Alaska Center for Economic Development |
| 2020 | Sam Hoghteling | Title | Straayer Center, Colorado State University |
| 2020 | Steve Powers | City Manager | City of Salem, OR |
| 2019 | Kelly Greunke | Budget Operations Manager | City/County of Denver, CO |
| 2018 | Chuck Coward | Retired | Indian Rocks Beach, FL |
| 2017 | Hannes Zacharias | Retired | Johnson County KS |
| 2014 | Sherilyn Lombos | City Manager | Tualatin, OR |
| 2013 | Clay Pearson | City Manager | Novi, MN |
| 2012 | Carol Gonzalez | City Manager | City of Shawnee, KS |
| 2012 | Susan Sherman | Assistant City Manager | Olathe, KS |