The George D. Aiken Award recognizes an individual whose leadership, service, advocacy, or other meritorious achievement has made a significant contribution to the success and advancement of electric cooperatives.

Developed by NEAEC in 1986, the award may honor current or former cooperative employees and directors, as well as public officials, leaders of cooperative organizations, manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, and other industry partners whose work has benefited electric cooperatives at the local, state, regional, or national level.

Named for Vermont Governor and U.S. Senator George D. Aiken, the award honors practical leadership, foresight, public service, and commitment to rural electrification and the cooperative model.”

Award Criteria

A nominee should have demonstrated one or more of the following:

• A significant or lasting contribution to the success, advancement, or resilience of electric cooperatives.

• Measurable benefit to electric cooperatives at the local, state, regional, or national level.

• Leadership, foresight, advocacy, or practical problem-solving that strengthened the cooperative program.

• Advancement of affordable and reliable rural electric service, cooperative principles, or member and community interests.

• Effective collaboration among cooperatives, public officials, cooperative organizations, suppliers, consultants, or other partners.

• Service whose influence or results extended materially beyond the ordinary performance of the nominee’s role.”

“Nominate a deserving individual today.”