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Workforce Innovation Awards

Each year, Workforce Innovation Awards are presented by key policy committees to recognize accomplishments and innovations undertook by our nation’s state workforce agencies. This page recognizes those efforts and includes the names of the recognized states below. Additionally, state members can login and access current and prior year Workforce Innovation Awards Nominations.

Winter Workforce Innovation Awards

Winter Workforce Innovation Awards are presented at the Winter Policy Forum each year. All states can submit nominations and the policy committees presenting the award select the states to be recognized based on the criteria in the nomination forms. States may apply for each award only once and a state agency administrator must approve each nomination.

The deadline to submit Winter Workforce Innovation Awards nominations was Monday, December 16, 2024.

Merrill Baumgardner Innovation in Information Technology Award

The Merrill Baumgardner Award is presented annually to a state that has demonstrated excellence in the field of information technology. The award was named in honor of Merrill Baumgardner, Ohio Bureau of Employment Services, in recognition of his 55 years of state service, 31 of which were spent as data processing manager for the Ohio Bureau.

The Baumgardner award is presented by the Technology Committee.

Data Insights and Innovations Award

The Data Insights and Innovations Award honors a state workforce agency, or partnership involving a state workforce agency, for achievements related to labor market and workforce information.

The Data Insights and Innovations Award is presented by the Workforce and Labor Market Information Committee.

William J. Harris Equal Opportunity Award

The William J. Harris Award honors a state or partnership involving a state for an innovative workforce-related program, project, or initiative which results in significant contributions towards the achievement of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination.

The Harris Equal Opportunity Award is presented by the Equal Opportunity Committee.

Pinnacle Award for Business Development

The Pinnacle Award for Business Development honors a state workforce agency, or partnership involving a state workforce agency, for an innovative business services initiative, framework, or effort of national impact, that addresses the employment/workforce needs of businesses at one or several stages (growth, maintenance, downsizing) and results in significant positive impacts for businesses.

The Pinnacle Award for Business Development is presented by the Employment & Training Committee. 

Pinnacle Award for Workforce Development

The Pinnacle Award for Workforce Development honors a state workforce agency, or partnership involving a state workforce agency, for an innovative workforce project, strategy, or initiative that involves assisting certain or all customers with career services (career exploration and/or job search assistance) and/or the attainment of in-demand skills and credentials, and which results in significant contributions towards the achievement of opportunity for customers.

The Pinnacle Award for Workforce Development is presented by the Employment & Training Committee.

Mark Sanders Exceptional Service to Veterans Workforce Innovation Award

The Mark Sanders Exceptional Service to Veterans Award recognizes exceptional service to Veterans, with special emphasis on those having Significant Barriers to Employment. This award is presented to a state workforce agency at the Veterans Conference each year.

 

Previous Workforce Innovation Award Recipients

2024

Data Insights and Innovations Award - New York State Department of Labor | This award honors a state workforce agency, or partnership involving a state workforce agency, for achievements related to labor market and workforce information.

Merrill Baumgardner Innovation in Information Technology Award - New York State Department of Labor | This award honors a state demonstrating excellence in the field of information technology.

Pinnacle Award for Business Development - Colorado Department of Labor and Employment | This award honors a state workforce agency (or their partnership) for an innovative business services initiative, framework, or effort of national impact, that addresses the employment/workforce needs of businesses at one or several stages (growth, maintenance, downsizing) and results in significant positive impacts for businesses.

Pinnacle Award for Workforce Development - Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity | This award recognizes a state workforce agency (or their partnership) for an innovative workforce project, strategy, or initiative that involves assisting certain or all customers with career services and/or the attainment of in-demand skills and credentials, and which results in significant contributions towards the achievement of opportunity for customers.

William J. Harris Equal Opportunity Award - Louisiana Workforce Commission | This award recognizes a State, or partnership involving a State, for an innovative workforce-related program, project, or initiative which results in significant contributions towards the achievement of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination.

Mark Sanders Exceptional Service to Veterans Award - IowaWORKS Davenport Center; Washington's WorkSource Joint Base Lewis-McChord | This award recognizes exceptional service to Veterans, with special emphasis on those having Significant Barriers to Employment. 

2023
  • Data Insights and Innovations Award - Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation  | This award honors a state workforce agency, or partnership involving a state workforce agency, for achievements related to labor market and workforce information.
  • Merrill Baumgardner Innovation in Information Technology Award - Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development | This award honors a state demonstrating excellence in the field of information technology.
  • Pinnacle Award for Business Development - Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation | This award honors a state workforce agency (or their partnership) for an innovative business services initiative, framework, or effort of national impact, that addresses the employment/workforce needs of businesses at one or several stages (growth, maintenance, downsizing) and results in significant positive impacts for businesses.
  • Pinnacle Award for Workforce Development - Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development | This award recognizes a state workforce agency (or their partnership) for an innovative workforce project, strategy, or initiative that involves assisting certain or all customers with career services and/or the attainment of in-demand skills and credentials, and which results in significant contributions towards the achievement of opportunity for customers.
  • William J. Harris Equal Opportunity Award - Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development | This award recognizes a State, or partnership involving a State, for an innovative workforce-related program, project, or initiative which results in significant contributions towards the achievement of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination.
  • Mark Sanders Exceptional Service to Veterans Award - Alabama's Opelika Career Center | This award recognizes exceptional service to Veterans, with special emphasis on those having Significant Barriers to Employment. 
2022

Mark Sanders Exceptional Service to Veterans Award - Colorado’s Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center This award recognizes exceptional service to Veterans, with special emphasis on those having Significant Barriers to Employment. 

2021

Mark Sanders Exceptional Service to Veterans Award - Kansas Local Area II West One-Stop Center This award recognizes exceptional service to Veterans, with special emphasis on those having Significant Barriers to Employment. 

2020
2019
  • Merrill Baumgardner Innovation in Information Technology Award - Idaho Department of Labor - Interstate Connection Network Relay. The Baumgardner Award is presented annually to a state demonstrating excellence in the field of information technology.
  • Data Insights and Innovations Award - Montana Department of Labor and Industry - LMInformer Consortium (partner states: Arkansas, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, and Virginia). The Data Insights Award honors a state workforce agency, or partnership involving a state workforce agency, for achievements related to labor market and workforce information.
  • William J. Harris Equal Opportunity Award  - Indiana Department of Workforce Development - Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry Virtual Job Fair. The Harris Award honors a State, or partnership involving a State, for an innovative workforce-related program, project, or initiative which results in significant contributions towards the achievement of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination.
  • Pinnacle Award for Business Development - MassHire Department of Career Services - MassHire BizWorks. The Business Development Award honors a state workforce agency (or their partnership), for an innovative business services initiative, framework, or effort of national impact, that addresses the health of businesses at one or several stages (growth, maintenance, downsizing) and results in significant positive impacts for businesses. 
  • Pinnacle Award for Workforce Development  - Arizona Department of Economic Security- Second Chance Center Program. (Honors a state (or their partnership) for an innovative workforce project, strategy or initiative that involves assisting certain or all customers with career services and/or the attainment of in-demand skills and credentials, and which results in significant contributions towards the achievement of opportunity for customers)
  • Mark Sanders Award  - Yuba County America's Job Center of California. The Sanders Award recognizes exceptional service to Veterans, with a special emphasis on those with Significant Barriers to Employment.
  • State Excellence Award  - South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation- Expanding apprenticeships in South Dakota. The State Excellence Award recognizes a state for a workforce-related program, project, or initiative, which innovatively addresses an issue or challenge, and results in significant improvement of service or performance.
  • National Business of the Year Award  - Copper River Seafoods, Alaska. The National Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that demonstrates outstanding accomplishments resulting in a positive impact on its workforce, industry and community, and for its support and use of the state or local public workforce system.
2018
2017
  • William J. Harris Award – Terri Slone Director of Administrative Services & State of Nebraska Equal Opportunity Officer Nebraska Department of Labor. The William J. Harris Award was established to recognize excellence in the field of equal opportunity (EO).
  • Merrill Baumgardner Award – Brett Richard IT IS Manager, Software Development Idaho Department of Labor. The Merrill Baumgardner Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in the field of information technology in a workforce agency.
  • Vladimir Chavrid Award – Robert Uhlenkott Chief Research Officer and Labor Market Information Director Oregon Employment Department. The NASWA Vladimir Chavrid Memorial Award recognizes excellence in the field of Labor Market Information (LMI).
  • Mark Sanders Award – Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center, Colorado. The Mark Sanders Award recognizes exceptional service to Veterans, with a special emphasis on those with Significant Barriers to Employment (SBEs).
  • The James F. Walls Team Award – District of Columbia Department of Employment Services Project Empowerment Team. The James F. Walls Workforce Agency Team Award honors a local office, one-stop center, central office division or unit, or a special team, which demonstrates extraordinary service in its assignment area, functions, local community, or area.
  • James F. Walls Employee Award – Stacey Shegrud Workforce Consultant Idaho Department of Labor. The James F. Walls Workforce Agency Employee Award honors an employee whose conduct demonstrates outstanding dedication to customers and colleagues, and extraordinary service to the local community.
  • The Eagle Award – Celina Bussey Cabinet Secretary New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. The Eagle Award honors individuals who soar to new heights in their efforts to serve employers and workers in the United States.
  • National Business of the Year Award – McCain Foods. The NASWA National Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that demonstrates outstanding accomplishments resulting in a positive impact on its workforce, industry, and community. Recipients of this award are also recognized for the business' support and use of the state or local public workforce system.
  • State Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) Award – Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The SEAL Award honors a state for a workforce-related program, project, or initiative, which addresses an issue or challenge, and results in significant improvement of service or performance.
2016
  • William J. Harris Award – Equal Opportunity Unit of the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, with special recognition to Danielle Smith, State Equal Opportunity Officer; Kristin Funk, Disability Coordinator; Isaac Hagan, Research Analyst II; Angela Burke, DED Legal; and Yvonne Wright, MO Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Merrill Baumgardner Award – John Wissler, Deputy Director, Application Development, Washington Employment Security Department
  • Vladimir Chavrid Award – Spencer L. Wong, Chief, Labor Market Information Division, California Employment Development Department
  • Mark Sanders Award – Ohio Means Jobs, Columbus-Franklin County One-Stop Center, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
  • The James F. Walls Team Award – UI Online Project Team, California Employment Development Department
  • James F. Walls Employee Award – E. Janie Small, Employment and Training Specialist III, Machias Career Center, Maine Department of Labor
  • Eagle Award – Melisa Stark, Program Administrator, Utah Department of Workforce Services
  • State Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) Award – Utah Department of Workforce Services
  • President's Award (WIOA Pillars) – Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC), U.S. Representative John Kline (R-MN), U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA)
2015
  • President's Award – The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) and The National Governors Association (NGA)
  • State Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) Award – The State of Florida with Special Recognition to The Florida Reemployment Assistance Fraud Intelligence Rating and Rules Engine (FIRRE)
  • The Eagle Award – Hayley McKee, Policy Administrator, Wyoming Department of Workforce Services;
  • The James F. Walls Employee Award – Bonnie Millet, Employment Counselor, Utah General Assistance Team, Utah Department of Workforce Services;
  • The James F. Walls Team Award – WorkSource Everett Reemployment Services Team, Washington Employment Security Department;
  • The Mark Sanders Award for Exceptional Service to Disabled Veterans – Franklin Hampshire Career Center, Northampton, MA, Massachusetts Department of Career Services;
  • The Merrill Baumgardner Award – Elizabeth Carver, Employment System Support Program Manager, Next Generation Labor Exchange Project Manager, Workforce Development Division, Utah Department of Workforce Services;
  • The Vladimir Chavrid Award – Raj Jindal, OIS Director, Louisiana Workforce Commission;
  • The William J. Harris Equal Opportunity Award – The Skill Source Center Partners, Prince William, VA, Virginia Employment Commission; and,
  • The NASWA National Business of the Year Award – STIHL, Inc.

 

2014
  • President's Award – Richard A. Hobbie, Ph.D., Executive Director, NASWA
  • SEAL Award – The State of Florida with Special Recognition to the Honorable Rick Scott, Governor and the CareerSource Florida Network
  • Eagle Award – Roger Bailie, Director of Finance (Posthumous), New York Department of Labor
  • James F. Walls Employee Award – Eric McAbee, Local Veterans' Employment Representative, South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
  • James F. Walls Team Award – The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services' Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services (RES) Team
  • Merrill Baumgardner Award – David Kyre, Director of Application Development & Technical Director, South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
  • Vladimir Chavrid Award – Tom Price, Business and Technology Applications Specialist, North Carolina Department of Commerce
  • NASWA National Business of the Year Award – Schaeffler Group-INA

Click here to view the 2014 Salute to the Leadership.

2013
  • President's Award – Larry E. Temple, Executive Director, Texas Workforce Commission
  • SEAL Award – New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Hurricane Sandy Response Special recognition to the Honorable Harold Wirths
  • Eagle Award – Roger Madsen, Director, Idaho Department of Labor
  • James F. Walls Employee Award – Shalonda Sanders, Programs Manager/Area Manager, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
  • James F. Walls Team Award – Veterans’ Outreach Reporting Team, Washington Employment Security Department Special recognition to Lisa Marsh, Director, Information Technology and Business Integration
  • Mark Sanders Award – Job Service North Dakota Veterans Employment Team
  • Merrill Baumgardner Award – Mohammed Jalaluddin, Director, Office of Technology Development and Innovation, Mississippi Department of Employment Security
  • William J. Harris Award – Serafin “Jun” Colmenares, Executive Director, Hawaii Office of Language Access
  • William J. Harris Award – Dwight Takamine, Director, Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
  • Vladimir Chavrid Award – George Putnam, Ph.D., Assistant Manager, Labor Market Information, Economic Information and Analysis, Illinois Department of Employment Security
  • NASWA National Business of the Year Award – The Donlin Gold Team Special recognition to Stan Foo, General Manager
2012
  • President's Award – Bill Warren, Executive Director, DirectEmployers
  • SEAL Award – State of Wyoming, Honorable Joan Evans
  • Eagle Award – Honorable Paul Trause, Commissioner, Washington State Employment Security Department
  • James F. Walls Employee Award – Robert F. Singer, DVOP, Virginia Employment Commission
  • James F. Walls Team Award – UI Modernization Project, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
  • Mark Sanders Award – Plymouth Massachusetts Career Center
  • Merrill Baumgardner Award – John M. Fowler, UI IT Systems Manager, Texas Workforce Commission
  • William J. Harris Award – Kintu Nnambi, Manager of Diversity, Inclusion and EO and ADA Coordinator
  • William J. Harris Award – Honorable Paul Trause, Commissioner, Washington State Employment Security Department
  • Vladimir Chavrid Award – Steve Saxton, Chief, Labor Market Information Division, California Employment Development Department
  • NASWA National Business of the Year Award – U.S. Bancorp of Minneapolis