Nominations will open in January 2025

CATEGORIES

GOVERNOR’S AWARD – The most prestigious award of the conference given to an individual who has made an outstanding, major contribution to the cause of hurricane preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation or research in the State of Florida. The impact of the individual’s achievement must be statewide in scope.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD– To an individual or organization, that has made cumulative outstanding contributions to some aspect of hurricane preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation or research in the State of Florida.The scope of the contribution can be local, regional or statewide.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD– To an individual that has made outstanding or substantial contributions and accomplishments in the field of hurricane preparedness, response, recovery or mitigation at local, state or national level over an entire career.

BOB LAY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AWARD – To an individual whose primary responsibilities are in emergency management, or a city, county, regional, state or federal emergency management agency for outstanding progress and accomplishment in the field of hurricane preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation or research in the State of Florida. About this Award

VOLUNTEER AGENCY SERVICE AWARD – To an individual staff member or volunteer of a non-government organization (NGO) or a unit of an NGO that has made an outstanding contribution to the fulfillment of hurricane preparedness, response, recovery or mitigation activities in the State of Florida.

PUBLIC/PRIVATE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – To an individual or small or large organization from the not-for-profit or private sector that has made a substantial contribution to hurricane preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation or research in the State of Florida.

DICK FLETCHER MEDIA AWARD – To an individual or organization in the news media for outstanding efforts to educate and inform the public about hurricanes and hurricane preparedness, response, recovery or mitigation in the State of Florida. About this Award

CHAD REED FIRST RESPONDER AWARD– To an individual or organization serving as first responder(s) (for example: fire, EMS, law enforcement, emergency management) that has made an outstanding contribution in the field of hurricane emergency response in the State of Florida. About this Award

PUBLIC EDUCATION/PUBLIC INFORMATION AWARD – To an individual or organization that has developed an innovative and effective public educational tool or program which has improved hurricane preparedness, response, recovery or mitigation in the State of Florida.

AL BRAGG GOVERNMENT AND LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – To an appointed or elected official for outstanding leadership in supporting emergency management through sponsoring the enactment of regulations, ordinances or other legal means to improve hurricane preparedness, response, recovery or mitigation at the local level in the State of Florida. About this Award

TROPICAL METEOROLOGY AWARD – To an individual or organization, that has made outstanding or substantial contributions to the advancement of knowledge, application or understanding of the hurricane forecasting and warning process in the State of Florida.

INNOVATION AWARD – To an individual or a local, regional, state or not-for-profit organization for the conception and development of new, unique and innovative programs or systems in the field of hurricane preparedness, response, recovery or mitigation in the State of Florida.

RISING STAR AWARD – To an individual whose primary responsibilities are in emergency management for outstanding or substantial contributions and accomplishments in the field of hurricane preparedness, response, recovery, or mitigation in the State of Florida. The scope of the contribution can be local, regional, or statewide. The individual must have less than 5 years of formal experience within the field.

All nominations and supplementary material must be received by:  March 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m. (eastern/standard)

MEMORIAL HONOR

The “Memorial Honor” component of the GHC awards program will recognize those who have passed away during the year prior to the annual conference and who have made a substantial contribution to hurricane preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation or research in the State of Florida.  Recognition of these individuals will be included in the Awards Luncheon ceremony. A nomination form is not needed. You can send this information at any time. Please provide the name of the honoree, their agency, title, length of service, brief bio and photo to [email protected].