Public Officials of The Year Nomination Form

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the Hobby School of Public Affairs encourages nominations of outstanding public officials who have exemplified the ideals of public service in the greater Houston metropolitan area. Recognition for service to communities, employees, and government deserves to be honored and showcased. Nomination forms will be reviewed by a selection committee led by the Hobby School Alumni Association, and awardees will be recognized at the Public Officials of the Year luncheon on March 21, 2025, at the Hilton University of Houston.

A resounding program theme and a consistent characteristic of past honorees is a strong desire to solve issues through collaboration, reaching beyond departments and individual cities to other jurisdictions and sectors with government, nonprofits and corporate partners. Strong candidates embody the following selection criteria (nominees do not necessarily need to meet all the criteria):

Outstanding performance in a challenging work situation
Commitment to ethics and ethical decision making
Places the welfare of residents above personal, professional and political motives
Demonstrated public service values in actions
Addressed problems beyond jurisdictional boundaries
Demonstrated and supported efficient and effective problem solving, innovation and leadership

While the Public Officials of the Year Award is for specific actions taken during 2020-2024, the Pioneer Award recognizes an individual who has a long-time record of meeting the above criteria and consistent demonstration for working for the public good. The selection committee may consider those nominated for the Public Officials of the Year Award for the Pioneer Award based on their body of service.

To enhance your nomination for the selection committee, please clearly define what your candidate has accomplished and relate it to the criteria, as appropriate. Also, detail any other characteristics, accomplishments and problem-solving activities that you feel are unique compared to their peers.

Online Submissions

Online submissions can be made on the Hobby School’s website or via email to Peter Koelling at pkoelling@uh.edu. Download the application here.

The submission deadline is Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.

Public Officials of the Year Award

Please describe in detail, in 800 words or less, why your candidate should be named one of the Public Officials of the Year by the Master of Public Administration program. These awards are for specific actions taken during 2020-2024. Please list appropriate and applicable criteria to detail your submission.

Pioneer Award

Please describe in detail, in 800 words or less, why your candidate should be recognized with the Pioneer Award. This award demonstrates a long-time record of meeting the above criteria and consistently demonstrating working for the public good.

Nominee Information:

Name: *
Title: *
Organization:
Phone #:
Email:

Nominator Information:

Name: *
Title: *
Organization: *
Phone #:
Email:

Please describe your relationship and experience with the nominee:

Please describe in detail, in 800 words or less, why your candidate should be named one of the Public Officials of the Year or be recognized with the Pioneer Award by the Master of Public Administration program at the Hobby School of Public Affairs. Please list appropriate and applicable criteria to detail your submission.

Please make sure to save a copy of your nomination for your records before clicking the submit button.