Hero Awards

SDP Hero Awards

Every year SDP recognizes great achievements under five awards: Pioneer, Distinguised Service, Community Service, Early Career Excellence and Inspirational Achievement Award.

2025 SDP Hero Awards Nomination

Each year, the society awards a select few individuals or teams Hero awards in acknowledgement of their achievements in transforming and growing our profession and society. We therefore ask that you please take a moment to nominate candidates for the following awards:

  • Pioneer Award
  • Inspirational Achievement Award
  • Early Career Excellence Award
  • Community Service Award
  • Distinguished Service Award

Please submit nominations by December 20, 2024. Please include relevant information in support of your nomination to aid the committee in the selection process.

Click Here to Nominate

Watch the 2024 SDP Hero Award Ceremony Here!

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Pioneer Award

The most prestigious SDP Award, reserved to those who made indelible contributions over an extended period of time that helps the profession of DA take root, develop its core practices, and extend its utility to new areas.

Past Recipients

Tom Keelin

2024 Pioneer Award

Frank Koch, Brian Putt & Larry Neal

2023 Pioneer Award

Bruce Judd

2022 Pioneer Award

Larry Phillips

2021 Pioneer Award

Ralph Keeney & Howard Raiffa

2020 Pioneer Award

Ron Howard & Jim Matheson

2019 Pioneer Award

Carl Spetzler

2018 Pioneer Award

Distinguished Service Award

Awarded to those who exemplify the spirit of giving back to SDP through their contribution to building, strengthening, and improving the society.

The first recipient of this award will be announced at the 2025 SDP Conference.

Community Service Award

Honoring selfless and durable contributions, through charitable service, to advancing societal progress through better decision making in civic, governmental, youth, and nonprofit domains.

 The first recipient of this award will be announced at the 2025 SDP Conference.

Early Career Excellence Award

Given to individuals who, at an early stage in their career, have shown effort and dedication to the field of decision making, have contributed powerful new concepts or methods to the profession, or have applied its principles with excellence within their own organization.

Past Recipients

Jisha Bhattacharjee

2024 Early Career Excellence Award

Inspirational Achievement Award

Awarded for an inspirational achievement in the profession of decision quality that has resulted in transformative outcomes or widespread adoption, stemming from impact through implementation or innovation. Such an achievement should result in substantial impact, inspire others, and exemplify the mission of the Society in action.

Past Recipients

Sandy Wrobel

2024 Inspirational Achievement Award

Awards & Recognition Council

The Awards & Recognition Council manages and enhances the SDP Hero Awards portfolio, celebrating the exceptional achievements of members and practitioners. The Council also refines awards governance and processes to ensure recognition aligns with SDP’s commitment to excellence and supports ongoing strategic goals.

Ray Spence

Council Chair



 Past SDP Awards

Volunteer of the Year Award (Renamed to Community Service Award)

Honoring selfless and durable contributions, through charitable service, to advancing societal progress through better decision making in civic, governmental, youth, and nonprofit domains.

Matthieu Distel

2024 Volunteer
Award

Matt Gorman

2023 Volunteer
Award

Pat Leach

2022 Volunteer
Award

Lee Failing, Robin Gregory and Graham Long

2021 Volunteer Award

Jay Andersen

2020 Volunteer Award

Tim Nieman

2019 Volunteer Award

Frank Koch

2018 Volunteer Award

Recruiter of the Year Award

Honoring accomplishments in expanding the SDP member family, or sponsoring organizations.

Laura Brandt

2024 Recruiter
Award

Victoria Hemming, Trygve Botn & Norway Conference Team

2023 Recruiter Award

Shona Bernard Chandler

2022 Recruiter
Award

Ellen Coopersmith & the Decision Frameworks Team

2021 Recruiter Award

John Mauer and Somik Raha

2020 Recruiter Award

Andrew Thrift & Basil Stumborg

2019 Recruiter Award

Jeremy Walker & Craig McKnight

2018 Recruiter Award