2023 Local Branch Leader of the Year Award

Background

The Commissioned Officers Association (COA) Board of Directors recognizes the exceptional accomplishments of our Local Branches each year. The accomplishments of each branch are due in part to the dedication of leaders facilitating the work within their respective local branches. The Local Branch Leader of the Year recognizes excellence in leadership and contributions to the COA local branch, service to COA, and its membership that occurred in the previous operational year up until the award nomination deadline. This award will be presented at the annual COF conference (e.g., in-person or virtually). This award was established to recognize outstanding leadership within a COA local branch. One Local Branch Leader of the Year will be selected nationally from a pool of nominees; each COA Local Branch may submit one nominee for consideration.

Nominations

Eligibility

The nominee must be an active member of a COA Local Branch Executive Committee: Branch President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or other member of the Local Branch Executive Committee as defined by the branch charter and bylaws. The nominee must not have received the award in the previous awards cycle. Note: The nominee can include retired officers if they meet the eligibility and nomination criteria requirements. Membership in COA is a requirement for nomination.

Nomination Criteria

COA Local Branch Leaders nominated for this award must demonstrate how they assisted in furthering the mission of COA through facilitating and/or promoting local branch activity. Nominations must address how the nominee meets one or all of the following criteria:

Demonstrating impact of the overall COA Local Branch (e.g., by increasing and diversifying membership of the COA Local Branch, broadening the scope and breadth of branch activities within the communities served, etc.)

Leads the COA Local Branch Executive Committee by showing good stewardship with funds, policies, practices and execution of the bylaws and charter. Serves as a mentor and coach to individuals within the branch and successfully represents the branch to outside organizations and senior leaders when requested.

Distinguishes themselves as a leader by holding themselves to the highest standard, serving as an example within the local branch, and carrying out the mission of the COA and the U.S. Public Health Service.

The COA Local Branch will select one nominee for consideration for the Local Branch Leader of the Year.

Nominator Requirements:

Nominator must be a member in good standing of the same COA local branch as the nominee or of another COA local branch with strong affiliations to the nominee’s COA local branch. Self-nominations are accepted. 

Nomination Deadline for COA Local Branch nominee:

January 20, 2023