Annual Awards Nomination Information

Event Date:

July 1, 2026

Event Time:

12:01 am

Event Description

It’s that time of year again to submit your nominations for the 2026 IPCSA Awards.  The annual Awards Banquet will be held during fall conference in DuPage County on Thursday, October 29th.  Award submission is easier than ever.  Simply click on the respective link and answer a few questions about your nominee.  Don’t know which award is appropriate?  Simply scroll to the end of this email and click on the link (coming soon) that allows the Awards Committee to select for you.  Let’s make sure the Awards Committee has their work cut out for them by inundating them with a lot of submissions.  I know each of you knows someone worthy of recognition.  

Distinguished Service Award:

These awards are presented to members of IPCSA who work in probation, court services, and detention who, in the opinion of their Chief Managing Officers, deserve individual recognition for their dedication and commitment to their clients, peers, and the community.

Requirements:

  • Must be a current IPCSA member and employed at least 2 years with the nominating circuit/county
  • Has made a significant achievement/contribution to the department (must be described)
  • Has not received this award within the past 5 years.

To nominate an individual for this award please complete the following form…https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hLMcEQP-PiMJVcbuAfmznV_Ozq4zvQxp6X4rP6x4fWg/edit

 

Michael Rohan – Innovative Leadership Award in Offender Program Development:

This award is presented to a program or person in Probation that exemplifies leadership in offender program development. This Program or Officer should have demonstrated evidence of effective offender outcomes with regard to reductions in recidivism, skill building, exceptional program completion rates, or other measures of success as highlighted by the nomination narrative. This award is selected by the Awards Committee.

Requirements:

  • The program/person should have been initiated/employed at least 1 year ago
  • The program should have been operational for at least 6 months
  • The program should have a clearly defined mission and goal
  • There should be documentation of effective outcomes with offenders
  • The program/person should include/demonstrate Evidence Based Principles/Practices
  • The program should address the question of “what makes this program innovative”?
  • How does this program/person “go above and beyond” daily expectations of probation?

To nominate a department’s program, please complete the following form…https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Pbec-Rej3sB3lkm_bXrPpKmu9dSLwu4jzh4JxzNOaqQ/edit

 

Gene Hughes Award-Highest Professional Standards:

This award is presented to the Probation Officer who has best exemplified the highest standards of the profession through a multidisciplinary approach. A team player who understands their contribution is one part of a bigger equation. An officer with a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and places a high value on involvement in organizations and activities that advance the profession and field as a whole. This award is selected by the Awards Committee

Requirements:

  • Must be an IPCSA Member for at least two years
  • Must have seven years experience within the profession to be eligible

To nominate an individual for this award please complete the following form…https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hLe-QKRrw9uUQLSvGXZZ4s45XOVOiaWzbgHoX7iBGIM/edit

 

Pauline Gansauer Award – Field of Dedication:

This award is presented to the Probation Officer or Detention Officer who has exemplified the highest standards of dedication to the profession. An individual who has their own goals that align with probation and court services. An officer who strives to improve their personal growth, their department and field of probation and court services . An officer who has strategies to stay motivated during the workday, attempting to get all of the tasks done on time. A dedicated employee who inspires their coworkers to strive for success, creating a more productive work environment. This award is selected by the Awards Committee.

Requirements:

  • Must be a member of IPCSA for at least two years
  • Must have a minimum of seven years of experience within the profession to be eligible.

To nominate an individual for this award please complete the following form…https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hLe-QKRrw9uUQLSvGXZZ4s45XOVOiaWzbgHoX7iBGIM/edit

 

William C. Albertson Award – Field of Achievement:

This award is presented to the Probation Officer or Detention Officer  who has exemplified the highest standards in the field of achievement within the profession. An individual who has attained distinct achievements/recognitions relevant to the Probation and Court Services field. An officer who has demonstrated leadership and outstanding achievements through their community involvement, voluntary activities, dedication to the Association, and professional achievements. This award is selected by the Awards Committee.

Requirements:

  • Must be a member of IPCSA for at least two years
  • Must have a minimum of seven years of experience within the profession to be eligible.

To nominate an individual for this award please complete the following form..https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hLe-QKRrw9uUQLSvGXZZ4s45XOVOiaWzbgHoX7iBGIM/edit

 

Robert E. Burdine – Officer of the Year:

This award is presented to a Line Officer (Juvenile Detention, Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation) who has exemplified integrity and dedication by their specific accomplishments and/or contributions to their department. An officer who is a positive role model to other colleagues and has a good work ethic. An individual who is respected and admired by their fellow professionals. An officer who has encouraged others through their participation in the Association. This award is selected by the Awards Committee.

Requirements:

  • Must be a member of IPCSA for two years
  • Must be non-supervisory, line officer

To nominate an individual for this award please complete the following form…https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hLe-QKRrw9uUQLSvGXZZ4s45XOVOiaWzbgHoX7iBGIM/edit

 

Exemplary Service Award – Citizen’s Award:

This award, previously designated as the Citizen Award, is presented to an individual or organization from the community who has served to further Probation, Court Services or Detention through their dedication and commitment within the private sector. This award is selected by the Executive Board in conjunction with the Awards Committee.

Requirements:

  • Must be a member of the private sector
  • Must provide services to the Probation, Court Services or Detention field

To nominate an individual for this award please complete the following form…https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fTaEyDZTsaO6uZm5fIDXKUxZvG_PBf6OYb7rWOjk2UA/edit

 

William Ettinger Award-Highest Degree of Dedication and Service to the Association

This award is presented to the individual  who has exemplified the highest degree of dedication and service to the Association. An individual who has strived to be a catalyst for progress. One who is a motivator, leader, and innovator whose skills have brought both experience and new concepts to the Association and field of probation and court services. This award is selected by the Awards Committee.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a member of IPCSA for two years
  • Must have a minimum of seven years experience within the profession 

To nominate an individual for this award please complete the following form…https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hLe-QKRrw9uUQLSvGXZZ4s45XOVOiaWzbgHoX7iBGIM/edit

 

Frank Calkins Award – Committee Member of the Year:

This award is presented to the individual who demonstrates dedication and support of the Association through Committee work. An individual who encourages new members to join and become involved in both the Association and committees. An individual who works with a committee to develop workshops, distribute information, and assist in the betterment of the field and Association. This award is selected by the Representative Committee.

Requirements:

  • Must be a committee member for at least one year
  • Must be an IPCSA member for at least 2 years

To nominate an individual for this award please complete the following form….https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1x2SJSjOGFq89g7U06Y-9d-Sh_AHXU-iy_jh5HILOdiM/edit

 

Cheryl Meyers-Excellence in Service and Innovation

Connie Kaiser – Restorative Justice Award:

The Connie Kaiser Restorative Justice Award is presented to the person, program or Detention Center that exemplifies the highest standards of the profession in the area of promoting restorative justice principles, practices, and activities for youth in Detention. This award is selected by the Awards Committee.

To nominate an individual or program for this award please complete the following form..https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1p-yz2o67VmpwIRGuRYnJuBUcLRUlwc8E9wi0HYmIOyM/edit

 

Michael Shaughnessy – Superior Service Award:

The Michael Shaughnessy Superior Service Award is presented throughout the year to IPCSA members who have demonstrated superior service to their department, the Association, and the Field of Probation, prior to their retirement. This award is selected by the Executive Board. 

Requirements:

  • Must have been a member of the Association for 10 years, 
  • Must have been employed in probation or detention for 15 years.

To nominate an individual for this award please complete the following form…https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13AIvvMBYN8q2-3eWPLCAywNNp5REreUOw8Tkoc06FUs/edit

 

Past President’s Award:

Created in 2014 at the 45th anniversary celebration, this award is presented throughout the year to the Association member, upon retirement, who has served as President of the Association. 

Requirements:

  • Must have been a member of the Association for at least 10 years.
  • Must have retired from the field of Probation, Court Services or Detention

To nominate an individual for this award please complete the following form…https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfM1VJKvqKm0q7rCrxWObfJz-PWqe_VyGP3FJYUds1E8lA7Fg/viewform?usp=header

 

Darrel O. Smith President’s Award-Leadership within the Association

The Darrel O. Smith award is presented to the person who has worked with the Association, judicial and legislative leaders, or the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts on the behalf of the profession. Someone whose participation and leadership within the Association has been outstanding and immeasurable. This award is selected by the President of the Association.

 

Legislative Service Award:

Presented to the individual who has displayed legislative leadership which prioritizes criminal justice legislation that positively impacts probation and court services. This award is selected by the Executive Board.

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