


The Leadership Award
Acknowledging Admins who show exceptional leadership skills and influence within their organizations.
The Leadership Award recognizes the Administrative Professional that best demonstrates multiple leadership qualities such as confidence, focus, integrity, innovation, patience, decisiveness, open-mindedness, empowerment, generosity, persistence, and a passion for helping fellow employees and their organization succeed.
Nomination Requirements: Items to include in your nomination:
- Why does this Administrative Professional deserve to win an Admin Award? Include details such as the specific or unique contributions they’ve made to their organization, what elevates this candidate from their peers, what makes them a highly effective and invaluable Administrative Professional, what obstacles they may have had to overcome, examples of their perseverance, loyalty, etc.
- How many total years has this Nominee served as an Administrative Professional throughout their career?
- How many years has this Administrative Professional been employed by their current organization or executive?
- Please describe the leadership qualities that this Administrative Professional demonstrates in their role and provide specific examples or details to support each of these qualities and how they are demonstrated through their administrative role. Leadership qualities that you might speak to could include (but are certainly not limited to) qualities such as determination, focus, confidence, integrity, passion, innovation, patience, decisiveness, open-mindedness, empowerment, generosity, persistence etc.
- Please provide specific examples of how this Administrative Professional demonstrates a passion for leading people, ideas, projects etc. towards success. Include examples of how this Administrative Professional shares their knowledge, expertise and experience with others in the organization and how this positively impacts the organization.
- Is there anything else you think the judges need to know about this candidate? If so, please share any additional thoughts, information, insights etc. that you believe would be helpful to the judges in determining this candidate’s unique qualifications in this award category.
Recognize Exceptional Administrative Professionals
Audrey Watkins
First Financial Bankshares
Region: Dallas / Fort Worth & Southwest Region
Year: 2023
Award Category: Leadership Award
Heather Steffen
McKesson
Region: Dallas / Fort Worth & Southwest Region
Year: 2022
Award Category: Leadership Award
Eva Valenzuela
Toyota Financial Services
Region: Dallas / Fort Worth & Southwest Region
Year: 2019
Award Category: Leadership Award
Karen Shuman
DFW International Airport
Region: Dallas
Year: 2018
Award Category: Leadership Award
Ruby Raines
University of North Texas
Region: Dallas
Year: 2013
Award Category: Leadership Award
Pam Light
Hendrick Health
Region: Dallas / Fort Worth & Southwest Region
Year: 2024
Award Category: Leadership Award
Pam McDonald
KFC
Region: Dallas
Year: 2014
Award Category: Leadership Award
Patty Gutierrez
Uplift Education
Region: Dallas
Year: 2017
Award Category: Leadership Award
Holly Cotton
MoneyGram International
Region: Dallas
Year: 2016
Award Category: Leadership Award
Kim Boehm
Entergy
Region: Houston & Gulf Coast Region
Year: 2025
Award Category: Leadership Award

How to Craft a Winning Nomination?
Insider Tips
Your Admin is Exceptional. Let's Make Sure the Judges Know it Too.
A winning nomination isn’t about flashy words or empty praise - it’s about telling a story that captures their impact, achievements, and their irreplaceable role in your organization. The best nominations bring their contributions to life with real examples and heartfelt appreciation. Follow these tips to craft a submission that stands out and gives your Admin the recognition they deserve.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.