About the Diane McGurgan Service Award

NASW depends on the power of volunteers for most of our programs and activities, and we have over 200 active volunteers annually.

This service award was established in 2001. NASW member Louis Lerner, who passed away in 2006, wished to show appreciation for then-Executive Director Diane McGurgan and other members whose efforts on behalf of NASW go beyond the call of duty.

After sending an unsolicited check for $2,500 to NASW, he left it up to the organization to decide how best administer the money. At Diane's suggestion, it founded an annual service award with a cash prize of $500. After the initial funds were disbursed (2002-2006), the NASW board voted to continue the awards at the same $500 annual level.

Winners of the Diane McGurgan Service Award

• 2023 - Elliot Richman
• 2022 - Carmen Drahl and Ellen Kuwana
• 2021 - Andrew Meissen
• 2020 - Alla Katsnelson and Jyoti Madhusoodanan
• 2019 - Shraddha Chakradhar and Ashley Smart
• 2018 - Czerne Reid
• 2017 - Jennifer Weston Cox
• 2016 - Lynne Lamberg
• 2015 - Robin Lloyd
• 2014 - Amber Dance and Dennis Meredith
• 2013 - Michael Newman
• 2012 - Rick Bogren, Robert Irion, and Mari Jensen
• 2011 - Jeanne Erdmann
• 2010 - Jenny Cutraro
• 2009 - Jeff Grabmeier
• 2008 - Richard Robinson
• 2007 - Dan Ferber
• 2006 - Ruth Winter
• 2005 - Nancy Shute and Corinna Wu
• 2004 - Mariette DiChristina and Kelli Whitlock
• 2003 - Beryl Benderly
• 2002 - Diane McGurgan