The prestigious Distinguished Service Award recognizes retired managers who have demonstrated outstanding careers and have been retired for at least two years. The ICMA Executive Board reviews nominations and selects recipients at its June meeting. Honorees are recognized throughout the year and at the ICMA Annual Conference.

Eligibility and Nomination Guidelines

Any ICMA member may submit a nomination; self-nominations are not permitted.

Criteria for Consideration

Nominees should demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

• A consistent record of leadership in regional, state, and national management associations.
• A strong commitment to supporting peers, colleagues, and emerging professionals through mentorship, counseling, or advisory roles.
• A history of developing and implementing innovative programs and sharing them through publications, conference participation, or one-on-one peer assistance.
• Long-term involvement in teaching, lecturing, or supervising interns in undergraduate or graduate public administration programs.
• Development of a recognized area of expertise acknowledged by both the community and professional peers.
• A demonstrated commitment to thought leadership that advances both the theory and practice of the profession, as evidenced by writing, conference participation, research contributions, and/or service on task forces and committees.

Learn more about ICMA’s Distinguished Service Award program—including the 2025 recipients—and consider submitting a nomination by April 27, 2026.

Individuals with questions or requests for more information can be directed to Joyce Lee Brown, senior program manager, ICMA Awards, at awards@icma.org.