Director of the Year Award
The TN APCO Director of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional Emergency Communications Center leader who demonstrates outstanding leadership, innovation, professionalism, employee development, and commitment to advancing public safety
communications in Tennessee.
The recipient should exemplify leadership that positively impacts their employees, agency, responders, community, and the broader 9-1-1 profession.
Eligibility
Nominees must:
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Currently serve as the Director, Executive Director, Communications Director, or equivalent senior leader of a Tennessee Emergency Communications Center/public safety communications agency.
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Have served in their current leadership position for a minimum of one year at the time of nomination.
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Be in good standing with their employing agency or governing authority.
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Have primary leadership responsibility for the operation or administration of an Emergency Communications Center.
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Not be required to hold TN APCO membership to be nominated unless otherwise determined by the TN APCO Board.
1. Leadership Excellence – 25%
Demonstrates exceptional leadership and provides clear direction for their organization and employees.
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Examples may include:
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Leading with integrity, professionalism, and accountability
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Establishing a clear vision for the ECC
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Making effective decisions during challenging situations
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Building trust among employees, responders, elected officials, and stakeholders
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Leading effectively during periods of change or crisis
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Creating an environment where employees can succeed
2. Employee Development & Workplace Culture – 20%
Demonstrates a commitment to developing, supporting, and retaining public safety communications professionals.
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Consideration may include:
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Supporting continuing education and professional development
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Developing future supervisors and leaders
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Establishing mentoring or leadership-development opportunities
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Promoting employee recognition and engagement
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Supporting telecommunicator wellness and resiliency
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Creating a positive, professional, and inclusive workplace culture
3. Innovation & Organizational Improvement – 15%
Demonstrates leadership in improving operations, technology, training, policies, or service delivery.
Examples may include:
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Implementing new technology or operational practices
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Improving training programs
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Developing innovative recruitment or retention strategies
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Improving quality assurance or performance management
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Streamlining processes
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Preparing the organization for the future of 9-1-1
Innovation does not have to involve a major technology investment. Creative solutions that improve employees, operations, or service to the community should receive equal consideration.
4. Operational Excellence & Public Safety Impact – 15%
Demonstrates effective management of an Emergency Communications Center while maintaining a high standard of service.
Examples may include:
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Improving operational performance
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Strengthening policies and procedures
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Enhancing emergency preparedness and continuity
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Improving interoperability
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Maintaining effective staffing and resource management
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Strengthening service to citizens and field responders
5. Collaboration & Community Partnerships – 15%
Builds strong relationships within the public safety community and beyond.
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Examples may include:
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Collaboration with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management
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Partnerships with neighboring ECCs or regional agencies
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Engagement with local government and community organizations
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Participation in statewide initiatives
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Promoting public education about 9-1-1
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Sharing resources, ideas, and best practices with other agencies
6. Commitment to the 9-1-1 Profession – 10%
Demonstrates dedication to advancing public safety communications beyond their own organization.
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Examples may include:
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Participation in APCO or other professional organizations
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Service on committees, boards, or working groups
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Presenting or teaching at professional events
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Mentoring other 9-1-1 leaders
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Advocating for telecommunicators and the profession
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Sharing knowledge and best practices with other ECCs
Nomination Requirements
Each nomination should include:
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Nominee's full name
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Agency/Emergency Communications Center
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Current position/title
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Years of service in public safety communications
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Years serving in a leadership role
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Nominator's name, title, agency, email, and phone number
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A nomination narrative of 500–1,000 words
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Specific examples demonstrating the nominee's leadership and impact
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At least one specific example or initiative demonstrating measurable or meaningful improvement within the nominee's organization
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Optional supporting documentation, commendations, letters of support, or other relevant materials
The narrative should answer:
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How has this Director demonstrated exceptional leadership, and what impact has their leadership had on their employees, Emergency Communications Center, public safety partners, community, or the 9-1-1 profession?
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Nominators are encouraged to provide specific examples, accomplishments, and outcomes rather than general statements about the nominee.
Selection Process
Eligible nominations will be reviewed by a TN APCO awards committee or designated review panel.
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Whenever practical, nominations should be scored using a standardized evaluation rubric based on the published criteria.
Consideration should be given to the quality and impact of leadership rather than the size, budget, or resources of the nominee's agency. Directors from small, medium, and large Emergency Communications Centers should have an equal opportunity for recognition.
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The nominee receiving the highest overall evaluation will be recommended as the TN APCO Director of the Year.
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The committee may verify information contained within a nomination with the nominee's agency or governing authority.
Recognition
The selected recipient will be recognized as the
TN APCO Director of the Year.
The recipient may be recognized at a TN APCO event, conference, awards ceremony, and
through TN APCO communications and social media.
TN APCO reserves the right to recognize additional nominees through honorable mentions or other special recognition when appropriate.
