Thank you for your interest in submitting a nomination for one of MMASC’s Annual Awards! The mission of MMASC is “Developing People, Developing Communities” by providing practical learning experiences, opportunities for leadership, and guidelines for professional practice. Reflective of this mission, MMASC recognizes individuals and organizations that strive to promote responsive government and create opportunities for those who are the future leaders of the public sector.

MMASC presents four annual awards open to nominations: the J. Michael Dutton Summit Award, Organizational Excellence Award, Excellence in Government Award, and Stewardship Award. The President’s Award is selected separately by the MMASC President and is not part of this nomination process. Nominations will be reviewed by the MMASC Awards Committee, and recipients will be selected by majority vote. A description of each award, along with its nomination questions, is featured below.

Nominations may only be submitted by MMASC members. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION IS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026, BY 5:00 PM PACIFIC TIME.

Please review the award descriptions below and select the ONE award for which you are submitting a nomination. Answer the corresponding questions for that award in the response box at the end of this form.

1. J. Michael Dutton Summit Award
Presented to a member of the MMASC Executive Board or a Regional Board member who has made a significant and/or sustained contribution to MMASC. The award is named after J. Michael Dutton, an active member of the organization and an innovator and leader of public sector programs who mentored many and promoted MMASC as a key component of professional development, before his untimely death in 1984 at the age of 36.

  1. Describe the nominee’s significant and/or sustained contributions to MMASC as a member of the Executive Board or a Regional Board.
  2. Provide examples of the nominee’s innovation, leadership, and mentorship within MMASC, reflecting the legacy of J. Michael Dutton.
  3. What lasting impact has the nominee had on MMASC and its members?

2. Organizational Excellence Award
Presented to a public agency whose accomplishments have significantly contributed to the advancement of local government service or otherwise improved the quality of community service provided.

  1. Describe the agency’s accomplishments that have significantly advanced local government service.
  2. Provide specific examples of how the agency improved the quality of service to its community.
  3. What makes this agency’s achievements a model for other public agencies?

3. Excellence in Government Award
Presented to a MMASC member who has made a significant contribution to the public service profession or advanced the success of others by affording professional development opportunities, with an emphasis placed on a singular significant accomplishment.

  1. Describe the nominee’s most significant accomplishment that has contributed to the public service profession or advanced the success of others.
  2. How has this accomplishment created professional development opportunities or elevated the field of local government?
  3. What sets this contribution apart as exceptional within the profession?

4. Stewardship Award
Presented to a MMASC member, chief executive officer, director, member of the academic community, MMASC supporter, or outside professional development program manager who has shown a significant and sustained contribution toward furthering the success of others by affording professional development opportunities.

  1. Describe the nominee’s role and relationship to MMASC or the public sector.
  2. Provide examples of specific programs, mentorship, or professional development opportunities the nominee has created or supported.
  3. What has been the impact of the nominee’s contributions on others’ careers over time?

MMASC 2026 Annual Conference Awards Nomination Form

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Nominee Name(Required)

Nominator Contact Information
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Nomination Responses(Required)
Award being nominated for (check one):

The Awards Committee will retain all nomination materials. If selected, the Nominator will be requested to support the committee by providing photos and collecting quotes from others in the nominee’s life, to help create a 2-3 minute video presenting the award at the conference. The Nominator may also be requested to provide additional information, if needed, at a later time. If you have any questions, please contact Carmen Zambrano by email at czambrano@cityofartesia.us.