The National Association of State Personnel Executives is proud to present The NASPEs, an Annual Awards Program designed to recognize great accomplishments of state human resource management personnel. This prestigious program includes the Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Awards (for Leadership and Innovative Programs), the Eva N. Santos Communication Award, the Advancing HR Professional Award, the Neville Kenning Corporate Partner Award and the Oscar B. Jackson, Jr. President's Award. They highlight the innovative practices leadership engages within human resources either with an individual’s lead or with a cutting-edge program.

The NASPEs winners are recognized during the NASPE Annual Meeting held each summer. The winning program and leadership winners each receive a complimentary meeting registration and plaque. In addition, award recipients are publicized in press releases, letters to governors, and policymakers, and shared with state’s personnel office. All nominated programs are available in the Hall of Fame. 

Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Awards

These awards were established in 1994 in memory of Eugene H. Rooney, Jr., who served as NASPE President at a time of great growth for the organization. The program recognizes innovative state human resource management practices that ensure access and equity while enhancing productivity and service delivery. It also recognizes individuals who exemplify the character, qualities and influence that Rooney had on state personnel administration.

Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. served as state human resources administrator in Massachusetts. He was well-respected for his role as a reformer and innovator—and, most importantly, valuing individuals and their commitment to public service. He served in several roles during his 21-year public service career.

View Past Recipients of the Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. for Leadership Award

View All Past Recipients and Submissions for the Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. for Innovative Programs Award

Eva N. Santos Communications Award

This award was named in memory of Eva N. Santos in 2013, who served as NASPE president and through her leadership sought to recognize excellence in state government HR Communication.

Eva Santos was appointed HR Director of the State of Washington in 2005 by Gov. Christine Gregoire and served in the position until her death in December 2012. She was a leader and innovator in state human resources and understood the important role of communication in effective HR leadership. As NASPE Awards Committee Chair, she established the Communication Award to recognize outstanding achievement in state HR communication.

View All Past Recipients and Submissions for the Eva N. Santos Communication Award

Advancing the HR Profession Award

The HR professional's role continues to evolve from transactional to strategic. This award will recognize programs and efforts within state government That address the changing landscape and, much like NASPE itself, serve to advance the HR profession by providing professional development opportunities, facilitating communication and networking between HR at all levels, and promoting a sense of community and value in HR work.

View All Past Recipients and Submission for the Advancing the HR Profession Award

Neville Kenning Corporate Partner Award

The Neville Kenning Corporate Partner Award Winner, established in 2022, is chosen by a vote of the state members on the the NASPE corporate partner who has added the most value to the association and to state government human resource management throughout the year.

Neville Kenning was NASPE’s first and longest-serving corporate member and was part of the organization for 25 years. Kenning was a renowned classification and compensation consultant who earned the respect and trust of his clients through a strong work ethic and taking time to get to know them and understand their needs. He was the ultimate corporate partner who understood that it was about “relationships, relationships, relationships” and not about selling - the business would come once relationships and trust were built.

View All Past Recipients of the Neville Kenning Corporate Partner Award

Oscar B. Jackson, Jr. President's Award

Each year since 2011, the NASPE President can select an individual or individual(s) to recognize for their commitment to the association and their work that went above and beyond for the betterment of the association.

Oscar B. Jackson, Jr. was appointed Administrator of the Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management by Gov. David Walters in 1991. Jackson served in this capacity and later also as Secretary of Human Resources and Administration until his retirement in 2011. Jackson was the ultimate ambassador to NASPE members, frequently reaching out to new appointees and to long-time members to welcome them and offer encouragement. He truly reflected the spirit of NASPE.

View All Past Recipients of the Oscar B. Jackson, Jr. President's Award

To view a list of previous winners and other nominations, visit the NASPEs Hall of Fame.