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John Wrafter Distinguished Chapter Service Award - This award is the Chapter’s highest honor and recognizes outstanding contributions that have had a major impact on Chapter activities. Past recipients generally have had more than one year of significantly active service and most have also previously received the Chapter Service Award (although this is not a prerequisite).




2021 - Shelly Taleporos
2020 - Jennifer Paperman
2019 - Helen K Kaczor
2018 - Robert H Attmore, CGFM
2017 - Mark B Mitchell, CGFM
2016 - Raymond H Harris, CGFM
2015 - Thalia Melendez

2014 - Laura J Brown, CGFM
2013 - Thalia J Melendez
2012 - Shelly Taleporas
2011 - Amanda Zibella
2010 - Michael A Abbott, CGFM


Outstanding Achievement in Government Accountability Award – This award recognizes government employees who have demonstrated sustained outstanding leadership and made notable contributions to government accountability.
Click Here to Download Document
Click Here to See Previous Winners



Robert H Attmore Tone from the Top Award - This award recognizes those members who set the tone at the top with their staff for encouraging professional development, certification, and association membership and participation.



2021 - Brian Gee
2020 - Brendan Schaefer
2019 - Emily Kunchala
2018 - Marie Zimmerman
2017 - Marlyn Griffis
2016 - Tina Kim
2015 - Mark B Mitchell, CGFM
2014 - Michael A Abbott, CGFM

2013 - David J Hasso, CGFM
2012 - Andrew A SanFilippo
2011 - Walter Gerald Barber, CGFM
2011 - James J Nellegar, Jr, CGFM
2010 - James Cox, CGFM
2010 - Joan Sullivan



Thomas J Goodfellow Chapter Champion Award – This award recognizes members who have had at least ten years of active service to AGA. It is the Chapter’s hall of fame award.



2021 - Helen K. Kazcor
2020 - Emily Kunchala
2019 - Deborah Harrington
2018 - Todd J Seeberger
2017 - Michael A Abbott, CGFM
2016 - Ann M March
2016 - Thalia J Melendez
2016 - Mark B Mitchell, CGFM
2015 - Raymond Harris, CGFM

2014 - David J Hasso, CGFM
2014 - Amanda L Zibella
2013 - Laura J Brown, CGFM
2013 - Brian E Gee
2013 - Shelly A Taleporos
2012 - Marcella Junco
2010 - Kirk Schanzenback


Chapter Service Award - This award is used to recognize participation above and beyond the call of duty, for matters that have made a positive impact and improvement on Chapter operations, membership, etc.

Emerging Leader Award – This new award recognizes members who have demonstrated the skills to be an outstanding leader and who have shown a commitment to improving Chapter operations.



2021 - Chelsea Fiorini
2020 - Brian Maclutsky
2019 - Kimberly Geary
2017 - Jennifer Paperman
2016 - William F Steinbach
2013 - David J Robertson, CGFM

2012 - Taryn Davila-Webster
2012 - Lynn Farruggia
2010 - Anthony Calabrese, CGFM
2010 - Ashley Weil





If you have any questions about the nomination or award process, please contact Emily Kunchala at Emily.kunchala@rfsuny.org

On 9/24/2021, our chapter held its annual Awards Ceremony. Click Here to Download the 2021 Awards Brochure



National Awards
These awards are presented at AGA National's Annual National Leadership Conference (NLC) (usually in February)

Federal Leadership Awards

Distinguished Federal Leadership Award - Formally recognizes individuals in either the legislative or executive branch who have made outstanding contributions to enhancing government financial management.

Elmer Staats Award - Recognizes the cumulative achievements of federal professionals who throughout their career have served as a role model for others and who have consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.

State and Local Leadership Awards

Excellence in Government Leadership Award - Recognizes the cumulative achievements of a state or local government professional who throughout his/her public career has served as a role model for others and has consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.

William R Snodgrass Distinguished Leadership Award - Recognizes the outstanding leadership of individuals in state government that led to improved financial management practices, policies, systems or operations and consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.

Distinguished Local Government Leadership Award - Formally recognizes the outstanding leadership of individuals in local government that led to improved financial management practices, policies, systems or operations and consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.

Public Sector Leadership Award

Eleanor Clark Diversity Leadership Award – Recognizes a public sector leader who has demonstrated excellence and results in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in their organization and/or has made a significant impact across a greater public sector population.

Private Sector Leadership Awards

Private Sector Financial Excellence Award - Recognizes the cumulative achievements of private sector professionals working with state and local governments, who throughout their careers have served as a role model for others and have consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.

Andy Barr Award - Formally recognizes the cumulative achievements of private sector individuals working in the federal sector, who throughout their career have served as a role model for others and who have consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.





These awards are presented at AGA National's Annual Professional Development Conference (PDC) (usually in July)

Robert W King Award - Recognizes any AGA member, except individuals serving on the National Executive Committee or employees of AGA at the time the award is presented, whose superior service has enhanced AGA prestige and stature.

Einhorn Gray Award - Recognizes any AGA member or organization that has, over a sustained period of time, made major contributions to advancing government accountability at the federal, state and/or local level.

Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award - Recognizes government employees who have demonstrated sustained, outstanding leadership and notable contributions to financial management; and encourages increased interest, growth, development and distinctive leadership in the field of financial management.

Achievement of the Year Award - Recognizes leadership or outstanding achievement in developing, implementing and improving financial management in government service in the past year.

Educator Award - Recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the education and training of government financial managers.

Cornelius E Tierney/Ernst & Young Research Award - Recognizes with a crystal award and a $1,000 check - an individuals who throughout their careers (minimum of 15 years) have made continuous contributions to governmental financial management by their direct participation in research activities and/or through their encouragement and support of others engaged in government financial management research.

International Achievement Award - Recognizes leadership or outstanding achievement in international government financial management.

Relmond P. Van Daniker Government Transparency Award – Recognizes outstanding reporting by a government in the past year through the generation of a report, website, dashboard, or information display, etc. for the public and/or government officials


Emerging Leader Award of Excellence - Recognizes younger professionals for notable contributions toward excellence in government management.

Other National and Local Awards

Volunteer of the Year Award
National President’s Award
Author Award
Achievements in Chapter Excellence (ACE) Awards
Membership Awards

Last Updated by: CColacino on 1/12/2024 4:31:43 AM


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