Awards to Individuals

Each year, the chapter presents awards to individual planners and officials that have made significant contributions to the chapter and/or profession.

Nominations for the 2027 APA Washington Chapter President's Awards will open in spring 2027.
Thanks to all who submitted nominations for 2027.

Chapter President's Awards to Individuals

Robert “Bob” Burke Award for Distinguished Service to the Chapter (formerly the President’s Award):

The Robert “Bob” Burke Award is given by the Chapter President to recognize distinguished service to the APA Washington Chapter. Recent recipients of the award include:

2026: Robin Proebsting
2024: Nancy Eklund, AICP
2023: Gwen Rousseau, Stephanie Velasco and Steve Butler
2022: Dee Caputo
2019: Yorik Stevens-Wajda, AICP
2018: Paula Reeves, AICP
2016: Ivan Miller, AICP
2015: Laura Hudson
2014: Ferdouse Oneza, AICP
2013: Susan Winchell, AICP (inaugural year with new award name)
2012: Stephen Butler, FAICP
2011: Chad Eiken
2010: Richard Hart
2009: Jill Sterrett, FAICP
2008: Esther Larsen
2007: Nancy Eklund
2006: Joe Tovar, FAICP
2005: Michael Kattermann and Michael Ryherd
2004: Mike McCormick, FAICP
2003: Lisa Verner
2002: Steve Lewis
2001: Michael Davolio
2000: Robin McClelland, FAICP (inaugural year)

Myer Wolfe Award for Professional Achievement

The Myer R. “Mike” Wolfe Award is by the Chapter President to recognize professional achievement and advancement of the planning profession. Recent recipients include:

2026: Lisa Grueter, AICP
2025: Mark Newman, AICP
2024: Debbie Bent, AICP
2023: Dave Andersen
2019: Prof. Nicholas Zaferatos
2018: Prof. Dick Winchell
2016: Anne Vernez Moudon
2015: John Owen
2014: Jill Brown Sterrett, FAICP
2013: Leonard Bauer, AICP
2012: Prof. Dennis Ryan, Ph.D.
2011: Fred Hurand, FAICP
2010: Kristian Kofoed
2009: Dave Andersen
2008: Rocky Piro, FAICP
2007: Steve Davenport
2006: Dick Winchell
2005: Nancy Ousley
2004: Joe Tovar, FAICP
2003: Mary Lynne Evans
2002: Dick Anderwald
1999: Michael McCormick

Barbara Grace Award:

Since 2004, the Barbara Grace Award has been given by the Chapter President to recognize a mid-level planner who has distinguished her or himself with dedication to public service and professional accomplishment. These are the front-line, unsung planners in our agencies and firms who help “Make Great Communities Happen” and represent the future leadership of our profession.

Recent recipients include:

2026: Jeremy Johnston
2025: Ian D. Lefcourte, AICP
2024: Mike McCarty, AICP
2023: Nikole Coleman
2022: Ashley Winchell
2019: Angela San Filippo
2018: Tami Palmquist
2016: Gwen Rousseau
2015: Samra Seymour, AICP and Sarah Schelling, AICP
2014: Robin Proebstring
2012: Salina Lyons
2011: Jennifer Kester
2010: Elizabeth Chamberlain
2009: Gary Davis
2008: Todd Stowell
2007: Owen Dennison
2006: Joyce Phillips
2005: Karen Wolf
2004: Rebecca Perkins

Legislator of the Year:

Selected by the Chapter’s Legislative Committee, our Legislator of the Year is honored for his/her support of planning, GMA and/or Chapter-sponsored legislation. Recent recipients include:

2025: Rep. Davina Duerr
2023: Rep. Jessica Bateman and Andrew Barkis
2022: Sen. Liz Lovelett
2019: Gov. Jay Inslee
2018: Rep. Jake Fey
2016: Rep. Sherry Appleton
2012: Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon
2011: Rep. Larry Springer
2010: Rep. Sharon Nelson
2009: Rep. Scott White
2008: Sen. Chris Marr
2007: Sen. Adam Kline and Rep. Fred Jarrett
2005: Sen. Jim Kastama and Rep. Geoff Simpson

Eric R. Shields Leadership Award

This award was first given in 2019 at the Chapter conference to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to their community, organization, or the profession by virtue of their leadership.

2026: Joe Tovar, FAICP
2025: Charles “Chip” Vincent
2024: Stephen Toy
2023: Steve Toy
2019: John Owen

Planning Advocate Award:

The Planning Advocate Award was first awarded in 2011. This special award recognizes public figures or planners who have advocated for a wide range of planning issues and who have initiated actions that made a significant difference benefiting Washington State.

2026: Janae Huber
2013: Michael Cardwell
2011: Congressman Jay Inslee

Planning Achievement Award:

First offered in 2011, the Planning Achievement Award recognizes elected and appointed public officials who have contributed to the awareness of planning issues and who have made a significant difference in the practice of planning at a local, state, or federal level.

2026: Paul Roberts (posthumous)
2025: Mayor Becky Erickson, City of Poulsbo
2011: Ronald G. Sims, Jr.