2015

  Athens-Clarke County

•  Designated PlanFirst Community: Athens-Clarke County (Georgia Department of Community Affairs - DCA) -  PlanFirst is DCA’s program to recognize and reward communities that clearly demonstrate an established pattern of successfully implementing their Local Comprehensive Plan.
• Tree City USA: Athens-Clarke County (Arbor Day Foundation)

  Board of Elections

• Member of Excellence, 2014-2015: Cora Wright (International Association of Administrative Professionals)^†

 Cooperative Extension

• Third Place Award (Extension Education): Amanda Tedrow, "Master Composter Volunteer Training Program" presentation (National Association of County Agricultural Agents)*

   Finance 

• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: Finance department (Government Finance Officials Association of the United States and Canada)^†

   Leisure Services 

• Outstanding Interpreter Award (Southeast Region): Michelle Cash (National Interpreter's Association)*
• Watershed Award: Sandy Creek Nature Center (Georgia Adopt-A-Stream) - This award recognizes decades of community support for the Adopt-A-Stream program.

   Magistrate Court 

• Magistrate Court Judge of the Year: Chief Magistrate Judge Patricia Barron (Georgia Council of Magistrate Court Judges)

   Manager's Office

• Local Government Service Award for 35 Years of Service: Alan Reddish (International City/County Management Association)^† - This award recognizes dedication to public service and management at the local level.

    Municipal Court

• Special Recognition Award: Judge Leslie Spornberger Jones, "Municipal Court Coloring Book" (Council of Municipal Court Judges)

   Police

• CALEA Accreditation with Excellence: Police department (Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies - CALEA)^†
• Certificate of Meritorious Accreditation: Police department (Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies)^† This award is presented to agencies who have been CALEA accredited for 15 or more continuous years.

   Public Information Office

• Award of Excellence (TV and Video - Public Service Announcement): "Pesky Mosquito Control Tips" video (City-County Communications and Marketing Association - 3CMA)*
• Savvy Award (Most Innovative): "Athens Ghost Hunt: The Morton Theatre" video (3CMA)*

   Public Utilities 

• Gold Award: Cedar Creek Water Reclamation Facility (Georgia Association of Water Professionals - GAWP)
• Gold Award: Middle Oconee Water Reclamation Facility (Georgia Association of Water Professionals)
• Gold Award: North Oconee Water Reclamation Facility (Georgia Association of Water Professionals)

    Sheriff

• Detention Supervisor of the Year: Elizabeth Robinson (Georgia Jail Association)

   Solid Waste

• Keep America Beautiful National Affiliate of the Year Second Place Award: Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (Keep America Beautiful Foundation - KABF)*
• KABF President's Circle Award: Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (Keep America Beautiful Foundation)*
• Keep Georgia Beautiful Affiliate of the Year: Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation - KGBF)
• KGBF Barbara Mason Executive Director of the Year Award: Stacee Farrell (Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation)

   Superior Court  

• 16^th Annual Justice Robert Benham Award: Judge Lawton E. Stephens (State Bar of Georgia). This award is presented to honor lawyers and judges in Georgia who have made significant contributions to their communities and demonstrate the positive contributions of members of the Bar beyond their legal or official work.
  
  
• Emory Findley Award: Judge Lawton E. Stephens (Council of Superior Court Judges) - This award is given to honor a judge who exemplifies the late Atlantic Judicial Circuit superior court Judge Emory Findley’s virtues of visionary leadership, resolve, and dedication.

   Tax Commissioner 

• Tax Commissioner of the Year: Mitch Schrader (Georgia Association of Tax Officials)

   Transportation and Public Works

• Transportation Project of the Year (Under $5 Million): Ponderosa Drive Stormwater Improvement and Roundabout Project (American Public Works Association, Georgia Chapter)

 * - National award

 † - International award

2014

 Board of Elections

•  Frances Duncan Award: Cora Wright (Voter Registrar’s Association of Georgia)
•  - Named for the first director of the Elections Division of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, the Frances Duncan Award recognizes a county registration official for outstanding accomplishments.

  Corrections

• Distinguished Service Award: Willie Bolton (Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice)

  Finance 

• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Finanical Reporting: Finance (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada - GFOA)†   

 Juvenile Court

•  Liberty Bell Award: Danny Stevens (Western Judicial Circuit Bar Association)
•  - This award is given to recognize outstanding community service by a citizen or organization that promotes a better understanding of the rule of law, encourages a greater respect for law and the courts, and stimulates a sense of civic responsibility.
• Program of the Year: Athens Peer Court (Georgia Council of Court Administrators)

 
   Leisure Services

• Agency Award (District - 50,001 and larger population category): Leisure Services department (Georgia Recreation and Park Association - GRPA)
• Arts and Humanities Award: "ROY G. BIV 8.2" exhibition (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Innovative Summer Camp: Rocksprings Park, "Super Heroes Summer Camp" (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Publication Award: "July is National Park and Recreation Month" brochure (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Publication Award: "Summer Day Camp Parent Handbook" (Georgia Recreation  and Park Association)
• Volunteer Award (Programmer's Section): Sherrie Hines (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Volunteer Award (Outdoor Section): Southern Off-road Bicycle Association (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• USTA Facility Award: Tennis Center (United States Tennis Association)*

 Magistrate Court

• Excellence in Judicial Training Award: Patricia Barron (Institute of Continuing Judicial Education)

 Police

• Buddy Christian Life Saving Award: Christopher Dewitt (Buddy Christian Foundation)
• Georgia Chief of the Year: Chief Joseph H. Lumpkin Sr. (Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police)

  Public Information Office

• Award of Excellence (TV and Video - Promotional Video) : "ACC SPLOST 2005 Project #5: Rocksprings Park Revitalization Project" video (City-County Communications and Marketing Association - 3CMA)*
• Savvy Award ("Go Green" Communication Program) : Septic System Education and Marketing program (3CMA)*
• Savvy Award (Printed Publications - Advertising) : Septic System Education and Marketing billboard/bus ad (3CMA)*
• Savvy Award (Social Media - Other) : "@accgov" Twitter account (3CMA)*
• Silver Circle Award (TV and Video - Promotional Video) : "ACC SPLOST 2005 Project #27: The Education & Visitor's Center at Sandy Creek Nature Center" video (3CMA)*
• Silver Circle Award (TV and Video - Public Service Announcement) : "Athens Transit System - Oconee Street Park 'N' Ride Lot" video (3CMA)*

  Public Utilities

• Preservation Award for Outstanding Stewardship: J.G. Beacham Water Treatment Plant (Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation)

  Recycling

• Bronze Excellence Award (Communication) : Recycling Division (Solid Waste Association of North America - SWANA)* 
• Savvy Award (TV and Video - Public Service Announcement) : "Don't Be a Mindless Zombie: Recycle MORE" video (3CMA)*
• Spirit of Green Innovation Award: UGA Master Composter program (Georgia Recycling Coalition)

  Solid Waste

• Outstanding Civic Organization Grand Award: Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (Georgia Urban Forestry Council) 
• Silver Excellence Award (Composting) : Athens-Clarke County Landfill (Solid Waster Association of North America)*

  State Court

• DWI Academy Court: DUI/Drug Court (National Center for DWI Courts)*
•  - A DWI Court is a distinct court docket dedicated to using the Drug Court model to change the behavior of the alcohol/drug dependent offenders arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI).
  
  
  
   * - National award
  

  
  

   ^{† - International award}
  
   

2013

  Board of Elections

• Member of Excellence, 2013-2014: Cora Wright (International Association of Administrative Professionals)^†

  Cooperative Extension

• Achievement Award: Amanda Tedrow (Georgia Association of County Agriculture Agents) Coroner
• Coroner of the Year: Sonny Wilson (Georgia Coroner's Association)

  Fire

• Life Saving Valor Award: Corporal Wesley Morris and Corporal Michael Allen (Georgia State Firefighters' Association)

  Juvenile Court

• Liberty Bell Award: Athens Peer Court (Western Circuit Bar Association) - This award is given to recognize outstanding community service by a citizen or organization that promotes a better understanding of the rule of law, encourages a greater respect for law and the courts, and stimulates a sense of civic responsibility.

  Leisure Services

• Agency Award (80,001-150,001 population category): Leisure Services department (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association - GRPA)
• Innovative Camp Award: Lyndon House Arts Center, "Teen Top Chef Art Camp" (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Innovative Program Award (Therapeutics): Athens Creative Theatre, "Monologues and More for the Cognitively Disabled" (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Publication Award (Visual Appeal and Creativity): Sandy Creek Nature Center, "Expansion Dedication Invitation" (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Second Place: Sandy Creek Nature Center, "Discover the Connection" exhibits (National Association for Interpretation)*
• Special Event Award: Lyndon House Arts Center, "India Festival" (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)

  Police

• Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Performance: Police Traffic Unit (International Association of Chiefs of Police)^†

  Public Utilities

• Gold Award: Cedar Creek Water Reclamation Facility (Georgia Association of Water Professionals - GAWP)
• Gold Award: Middle Oconee Water Reclamation Facility (Georgia Association of Water Professionals)
• Gold Award: North Oconee Water Reclamation Facility (Georgia Association of Water Professionals)
• Plant of the Year: J.G. Beacham Water Treatment Plant (Georgia Association of Water Professionals)
• Platinum Award: J.G. Beacham Water Treatment Plant (Georgia Association of Water Professionals)
• Top Operator District Two: William "Tiger" Brooks (Georgia Association of Water Professionals)
• WaterSense Partner of the Year: Water Conservation Office (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)*

  Solicitor General

• Marian B. Hamilton Grant: C.R. Chisholm (Southern Early Childhood Association)
•  - This award was created in honor of Marian B. Hamilton, a past president of the Southern Association on Children Under Six. Three grants are awarded each year to strengthen local affiliates/chapters or to recognize outstanding leadership.

  Solid Waste

• Keep America Beautiful Affiliate of the Year (100,001-200,001 population category): Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (Keep America Beautiful Organization)*

 * - National award

2012

  Cooperative Extension

•  Mary W. Wells Diversity State Award: Denise Everson (Georgia Association of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences - GAEFCS) - This award recognizes outstanding efforts and accomplishments of individuals and/or teams in diversity and pluralism.
• State Marketing Award: Denise Everson  (GAEFCS) 

   Leisure Services

• Agency Award (80,001-150,001 population category): Leisure Services department (Georgia Recreation and Park Association - GRPA)
• Arts and Humanities Award: Lyndon House Arts Center, "Community" exhibition (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Innovative Program Award: "Teens in Action" program (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
  
• Innovative Program Award (Therapeutics): Lyndon House Arts Center, "Celebrating the Artwork of Lois Curtis with the Georgia People with Disabilities" Juried Exhibition (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Publication Award (Marketing and Visibility): "The Mystique of the Automobile" catalog (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Trendsetter Award: "Teens in Action" program (Georgia Municipal Association & Georgia Trend magazine) - Winners of this award demonstrate the many ways in which Georgia's cities are leading the way in local government.

  Police

•  Egon Bittner Award: Chief Joseph H. Lumpkin, Sr. (Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies - CALEA)^† - The Egon Bittner Award is presented to Chief Executive Officers who have commanded a CALEA Accredited agency for fifteen or more continuous years.
  
  
• Joseph Whitehead Award: Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force (Georgia Narcotics Officers Association) - This award recognizes officers, agencies, and drug task force units that excel in their efforts to aggressively target, arrest, and bring to prosecution those who profit from the illicit sale of controlled substances in Georgia. 

  Probation Services

• 2012 Program of the Year: Intensive Supervision Program (Georgia Council of Court Administrators)

  Public Utilities

• Environmental Friend of the Year: Marilyn Hall (Georgia Green Industry Association)
•  Fox McCarthy Award: Water Conservation Office (Georgia Association of Water Professionals) - This award recognizes an outstanding project or program implemented by a water user in Georgia.
• Outstanding Service to Environmental Education by an Organization: Water Conservation Office (Georgia Alliance for an Environmental Education)
• Project WET Organization of the Year: Water Conservation Office (Project WET Foundation)^†

  Sheriff 

• 2012 Buckle Up, America Award: Deputy Robert Hare (Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute)

  SPLOST

• Public-Private Partnership of the Year: SPLOST with Batson-Cook Development Company (Association of County Commissioners of Georgia)

  Transportation and Public Works

• Lifestyle Change Award: Eric Wagner (American Heart Association)*

2011

  Leisure Services

• Distinguished Administrative Support Staff Award: Evelyn Lee (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)

  Magistrate Court

• Magistrate Court Judge of the Year: Charles E. Auslander III (Georgia Council of Magistrate Court Judges)

  Police

• First Place Award: Strategic Response Team (18^th Annual Southeast SWAT Competition)
•  Harry Neal Award: Detective Beverly Russell (Association of Former Agents of the United States Secret Service)*  - This award is given to several law enforcement officers each year who have performed outstanding service to the community in the form of a heroic act or extraordinary investigation.
• Liberty Bell Award: SPO Buddy Christian and SPO Tony Howard (Western Judicial Circuit Bar Association) - This award is given to recognize outstanding community service by a citizen or organization that promotes a better understanding of the rule of law, encourages a greater respect for law and the courts, and stimulates a sense of civic responsibility.

  Public Information

• Hermes Gold Award (Creativity in Home Page Design): "athensclarkecounty.com" website (International Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals)^†
• Savvy Award (Best Overall Website): "athensclarkecounty.com" website (City-County Communications and Marketing Association)*

  Public Utilities

• Member of Excellence, 2011-2012: Rhonda Bray (International Association of Administrative Professionals)^†
• Water Distribution System of the Year (Medium Systems category): Athens-Clarke County (Georgia Association of Water Professionals)

  Recycling

• Outstanding Government/Community Program: Recycling Division (Georgia Recycling Coalition)

  Solid Waste

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification: Solid Waste Administrations and Collections Facility (U.S. Green Building Council)*

• Mental Health Worker of the Year: Traci Tarbutton (Mental Health Association of Northeast Georgia)

• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: Finance department (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)^†

• Lifestyle Change Award: Sonia Davis (American Heart Association)*

• Innovative Program Award: "Splashdown 2010" program (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association - GRPA)
• Innovative Program Award: "Harry Potter Summer Camp" program (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Innovative Program Award: "Senior Adult Readers Theatre" program (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Kaleidoscope Award: "Arts Unleashed" program (Georgia Assembly of Community Arts Agencies)
• Volunteer Award: Memorial Park, "Weed Warriors" program (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Volunteer Award: Will Chamberlin (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)

• 911 Communications Center of the Year (Georgia Chapter): Central Communications Center (National Emergency Number Association)*
• CALEA Accreditation: Central Communications (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies)^†
• First Place Award: Strategic Response Team (17^th Annual Southeast SWAT Competition)
• First Responder Lifesaving Award: Sgt. David Gabriel (American Red Cross)* 
• Leadership in Service Award: Kevin McGreevy (Georgia Emergency Communications)
• Second Place Award: Police department (Governor's Office of Highway Safety Governor's Challenge Awards)
• State Re-Certification: Police department (Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police)

• Silver Circle Award (Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars Spent): "City Hall hold music system" (City-County Communications and Marketing Association - 3CMA)*
• Silver Circle Award (Most Innovative): "City Hall hold music system" (3CMA)*

• Gold Award for "Safe Drinking Water Act" Compliance: J.G. Beacham Water Treatment Plant (Georgia Association of Water Professionals - GAWP)
• Public Education Program of the Year: Public Utilities department (Georgia Association of Water Professionals)

• Fit Friendly Company: Wellness Program (American Heart Association)*

• State Award: Judy Hibbs (Georgia Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Association)

• Agency of the Year Award: Leisure Services (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association - GRPA)
• Distinguished Professional Award: Cathy Padgett (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)
• District 7 Volunteer of the Year Award: Melissa Bowden(Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)
• Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award: Arts Unleashed (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)
• Innovative Camp (Programmers Section): It's My Planet: Rainforest Art Camp (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)
• ​Innovative Program (Minority Section): Inauguration Party at Rocksprings Park (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)
• Innovative Special Event (Programmers Section): Athens Scottish Heritage Festival (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)
• Outdoor/Park Section and State Volunteer of the Year: - Melissa Bowden (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)

• Governor's Public Safety Award: Harrison Daniel and James Moss (Georgia Public Safety Center)
• Law Enforcement Hero Award: Harrison Daniel and James Moss (American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter)
• Liberty Bell Award: Mary Hamby (Western Judicial Circuit Bar Association)
 - This award is given to recognize outstanding community service by a citizen or organization that promotes   a better understanding of the rule of law, encourages a greater respect for law and the courts, and stimulates     a sense of civic responsibility.

• Sean Potter Memorial Law Enforcement Advocate of the Year: Shannon Parker (Western Judicial Circuit)

• Professional Leadership Award: Stacee Farrell (Keep America Beautiful)*

• Franklin Thorton Award:Sgt. Mike Hale (Northeast Georgia Police Academy) 
- This award is given to the individual with the highest GPA in their graduating class.

• Agency of the Year Award: Leisure Services (Georgia Recreation and Park Association - GRPA) 
• Best Special Project with Budget Under $100,000: Lyndon House Arts Center (Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries)
• Best Exhibition with budget under $100,000: Lyndon House Arts Center (Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries)
• Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award: Lyndon House Arts Center (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
- This award recognizes excellence in arts and humanities programs throughout recreation and leisure.
• Highsmith Innovation Award: Lyndon Arts Center (Public Library Association)* 

• 1st Place in the TV and Video Public Service Announcement Category: "Monster Truck Rally - Outdoor Water Use Ban" (3CMA)*
• 3rd Place Award of Excellence (Marketing and Tools - Community Issue): Think at the Sink Water Conservation Campaign (3CMA)*
• Green Friendly Award for Most Outstanding Environmental Video: "Monster Truck Rally - Outdoor Water Use Ban" (3CMA)*

• Deputy of the Year: Sgt. Bobby Toole (Georgia Sheriff's Association) 

• 1st Place in the State (Litter Prevention): Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (Georgia Department of Community Affairs)
• 1st Place National Award (Community Improvement): "Toast in the Garden: Sip. Nibble. Stroll." Event (Georgia Department of Community Affairs)

• Development of Excellence Award: Athens Multimodal Transportation Center (Urban Land Institute of Atlanta) 

Leisure Services

• Agency of the Year Award: Leisure Services (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association - GRPA)
• Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award: Lyndon House Arts Center (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)
  • This award recognizes excellence in arts and humanities programs throughout recreation and leisure
• Health and Safety Volunteer of the Year: Leslie Trier (American Red Cross)*
• Publication Award: Leisure Services (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)
• Volunteer of the Year (State Level): Whit Davis Elementary School (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)

Planning

• Georgia Planning Association Award - Outstanding Special Community Initiative: Neighborhood Notification Initiative (Georgia Planning Association)

Police

• J. Edgar Hoover Law Enforcement Gold Medal Award: SPO Gene Davis (Veterans of Foreign Wars). This award is given to brave and honest law enforcement officers so that they might know their good will and dedication are appreciated.

• Law Enforcement Award: Lt. Terrie Patterson (Georgia Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives)

Superior Court

• Legal Professional of the Year Award: Ashley Barnett (Association of Legal Professionals)*
• Member of the Year Award: Carol Mallory (Association of Legal Professionals)*
• Officer of the Year Award: Diane Russell (Association of Legal Professionals)*

• Disaster Services Volunteer Leadership Award: Traci Mason (Red Cross)†
  
• Health and Safety Instructor of the Year Award: Regina Sockman (Red Cross)† 
• Professional Achievement Award: Jackie Rains (Georgia Local Government Personnel Association) 

• Outstanding Achievement Award: Connie Head (Georgia Georgia Urban Forestry Council)

• Outstanding Leadership Award: Beverly Logan (Georgia Superior Court Clerk's Association)

• Award for an Outstanding Single Event Publication: Lyndon House Arts Center (Georgia Recreation and Park Association - GRPA)
• Outdoor and Parks Section Distinguished Professional Award: Randy Smith (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Outstanding Rehabilitation Award: Memorial Park Operations Center (Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation)
• Volunteer Award (District Level): World of Wonder Playground Steering Committee (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Volunteer Award (State Level): World of Wonder Playground Steering Committee (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Nancy Postniecks (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)

• President's Award: Sheriff Ira Edwards (Georgia Sheriff's Association)
• Whitney Young, Jr. Community Service Award: Sheriff Ira Edwards, Jr. (Northeast Georgia Council for Sheriffs)
- This award is given to an individual for their involvement in the Scoutreach Program.

• First Place Award: Recycling (Keep America Beautiful Foundation - KABF)*

• Coroner of the Year: randy Garrett (Georgia Coroner's Association)

• Certificate of Achievement: Sandy Creek Nature Center (National Wildlife Federation)*
• Most Outstanding Tennis League Facility: Bishop Park (United States Tennis Association - Southern Section)*
• Volunteer Award (District Level): PRIDE Board of the East Athens Educational Dance Center (Georgia Recreation and Park Association) 
• Volunteer Award (State Level): PRIDE Board of the East Athens Educational Dance Center (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)

• Gold Award: J.G. Beacham Water Treatment Plant (Georgia Water and Pollution Control Association)
• Third Runner-up in the Itron Inc. Worldwide Selection of Meter Reader of the Year: James Geeter (Itron Inc.)†
  
• Top Operator Award for District 2: Steve Barnett (Georgia Water and Pollution Control Association)
  

• Stormwater Management Program of the Year: Athens-Clarke County (Georgia Water and Pollution Control Association)

• Excellence in 4-H Club Support Award: Judy Hibbs (Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Agents)
• Excellence in 4-H Club Support State Team Award: Cooperative Extension (Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Agents)
• State Air Force Salute Award: Marilyn Poole (State Air Force)

• Agency of the Year Award: Leisure Services (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association  - GRPA)
• I Love to Run and See Georgia Award: Jack-O-Lantern Four Mile Run (Georgia Runner)
  
• Volunteer of the Year (Cultural Affairs): Ron Evans (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Volunteer of the Year Award (District 7): Ron Evans (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Volunteer of the Year Award (Outdoor Section): Naturalist Assistant Program (NAP) at Sandy Creek Nature Center (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)

• Franklin Thorton Award: Brian Kim (Northeast Georgia Police Academy)
- This award is given to the individual with the highest GPA in their graduating class.
• Top Gun Award: Brian Kim (Northeast Georgia Police Academy)
- This award is given to the individual with the highest score on the firearm qualification course.

• Friends of Trees Award: Athens-Clarke County Landfill (Community Tree Council)

• Tree City USA: Doc Eldridge (National Arbor Day Foundation)*

• National Continued Excellence Award: Judie Hibbs (The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program - EFNEP)*
• Outstanding EFNEP Outreach Award: Beffie Morse (The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program)*

• Lifesaving Valor Award: Doug Brown, Calvin Brown, Greg Amason, John Walsh, Craig Kellog, and Jeremy Wall (Georgia State Firefighters' Association)
- This award is presented for extreme personal risk in which the candidate's survival is in question while attempting a lifesaving act. 

• Park and Outdoor Section Distinguished Professional Award: Mike Wharton (Georgia Recreation and Park Association - GRPA)
• Park and Outdoor Volunteer of the Year Award: Lee Meinersmann (Georgia Recreation and Park Assocation)
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Sandy Creek Nature Board (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• Volunteer of the Year Award (Cultural Affairs Section): Kay Glenn (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)

• Franklin Thorton Award: Brian Nelson (Northeast Georgia Police Academy)
- This award is given to the individual with the highest GPA in their graduating class.
• Officer of the Year: Sgt. Reginald Wade (Veterans of Foreign Wars)*

• Conservation Medal: Waste Reduction (National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution)*
• National Recycling at Work Award: Recycling (U.S. Conference of Mayors)*

• Build a Better Georgia Award: Al Crace (Associated General Contractors of Georgia)
- This award recognizes individuals who are making a difference in Georgia's communities. 

• Outstanding Commitment to the Stewardship of Trees: Roger Cauthen (Urban Tree Advisory Committee - UTAC)*

• Outstanding Restoration Award: Lyndon House Arts Center (Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation)
•  Roy Hammond Award: Marty Johnson (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
• State Volunteer of the Year Award: Margaret Johnson (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)

• Liberty Bell Award: Sgt. Willie Robert Smith (Western Circuit Bar Association)
- This award is given to recognize outstanding community service by a citizen or organization that promotes a better understanding of the rule of law, encourages a greater respect for law and the courts, and stimulates a sense of civic responsibility.

• Outstanding Community or Government Program: Sharyn Dickerson (National Recycling Coalition - NRC)*

• SouthEastern Electrification Council (SEEC) Chairman's Award for Education: Ken Hix (SouthEastern Electrification Council)

• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: Finance (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada - GFOA)†
  

• Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner's Award for the "Most Innovative Fire Prevention Program: Mitch Kitchens (Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner)

• Agency of the Year Award: Leisure Services (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association)
• Distinguished Professional Administrator of the Year: Deborah Mockus (Georgia Recreation and Park Association)
  
  

• Outstanding Planning Process: Planning (Georgia Planning Association - GPA)

• Keep Georgia Beautiful Educational Initiatives Award: Recycling (Georgia Department of Community Affairs - DCA) 
• Keep Georgia Beautiful Public Works Employee of the Year Award: Melissa Tweedell -Recycling (Georgia Department of Community Affairs)

• Council of State Court Judges Ogden Doremus Award: Judge N. Kent Lawrence (Council of State Court Judges)
- Awarded to a state court judge who demonstrates the highest ideals of ethics, professionalism, judicial            wisdom, and demeanor.

• Frances Duncan Award: Dorothy Barrett (Voter Registrar’s Association of Georgia)
- Named for the first director of the Elections Division of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, the Frances      Duncan Award recognizes a county registration official for outstanding accomplishments.

• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: Finance (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada - GFOA)†
  

• Georgia Heritage Award: Morton Theater (Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism)
- Recipients of this award are outstanding members of the tourism industry, and are usually historic sites that    have been renovated and restored for current use in a community.