Nomination Form

Jennifer Schaaf Award

presented by the

Society of Professional Journalists, Bluegrass Pro Chapter

in cooperation with the

Kentucky Association of Government Communicators

Jennifer Schaaf was a government public relations professional who in many ways exemplified the dedication to the public interest that taxpayers deserve and journalists expect from public servants who speak for government. To encourage such dedication, SPJ and KAGC sponsor an annual award named for Jennifer, based on service in the preceding year and in their overall career.

The overarching criterion for the award is demonstration of dedication to the public interest, as evidenced by any number of factors, including but not limited to:

  • Responsiveness to media and public inquiries
  • Accuracy, clarity and completeness of information provided
  • News judgment
  • Ability to be helpful with background information
  • Ability to help government officials and employees understand journalists and journalism.
  • Awareness that serving public officials and serving the larger public interest are not mutually exclusive
  • Understanding of journalists' and citizens' problems in dealing with government

Nominations must be made by journalists. In making your nomination, please include a narrative that addresses all factors you believe deserve comment, whether positive or negative, and add any other factors and information that you deem appropriate. Sign the nomination and return it NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY,NOVEMBER 22to SPJ Bluegrass Chapter, 123 West Todd St., Frankfort, KY 40601, or e-mail to . SPJ will determine the winner. The award will be presented at the KAGC Holiday Open House.

Nominee: ______

Agency: ______

Nominator:______

Nominator’s Media Outlet: ______

Please use the reverse or other sheets to make your nomination (required).

Award Winners

1999 – BRAD HUGHES, Kentucky School Boards Association; 2000 – LISA GROSS, Kentucky Department of Education; 2001 – GIL LAWSON, Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services; 2002 – Rusty Cheuvront, Office of the Governor; 2003 – LISA LAMB, Department of Corrections; 2004 – JILL MIDKIFF, Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet; 2005 – VICKI GLASS, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office; 2006 – JASON KELLER, Department of Homeland Security; 2007 – LES FUGATE, Office of Kentucky Secretary of State; 2008 – VIKKI FRANKLIN, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services; 2013 – CHUCK WOLFE, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet; 2014 – JAY BLANTON, University of Kentucky; ; 2016 – BRIAN WILKERSON, Kentucky House Speaker’s Office