The Supervisor of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition for those who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant achievements while participating as a member of their local soil and water conservation district (SWCD). If you are a current District supervisor serving on a local Indiana Soil and Water Conservation District Board, this could be your chance to shine!
About the Award
The Supervisor of the Year Award is designed to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and innovative approaches of SWCD supervisors in Indiana. It’s our way of saying, “We see you, and we appreciate you.” This award recognizes those who lead by example – supporting conservation efforts and engaging with their district and the community.
This award is sponsored by Indiana Prairie Farmer and the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD).
Who is Eligible?
Any current District supervisor serving on a local Indiana Soil and Water Conservation District Board is eligible to be nominated, with the exception of current IASWCD officers and region directors. If you’re passionate about conservation, active in your district and making a difference, we want to hear about it!
Nominations can by made by any individual, organization, agency or conservation partner.
How to Apply
- Fill out the online nomination form during the nomination period: Opens October 1, 2025 and closes March 31, 2026 at 5:00 pm (EDT)
- Send Support Materials* (i.e. photos, articles, support letters, etc.) to IASWCD, Amy Work, Director of Communication and Member Programs
Tips Regarding the Narrative Section of the Application
Your narrative (1,000 words or less) should focus on the nominee’s leadership, dedication, and impact on soil and water conservation at the local, state, and/or national levels.
Use the narrative section to provide a well-rounded picture of the nominee’s role and contributions. Consider addressing the following:
1. Leadership & Engagement
- Describe the nominee’s approach to leadership within their local SWCD board.
- How do they engage with fellow board members, staff, and partners?
- In what ways have they guided or supported the direction and success of the district?
2. Service to SWCDs and the Conservation Community
- Detail their service to:
- Their local Soil and Water Conservation District
- The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD)
- The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)
- Include involvement in committees, advocacy, representation at events, or other relevant service.
3. Community Involvement
- Describe how the nominee has engaged with the broader community to promote conservation awareness or education.
- Include outreach efforts, partnerships, or public events they’ve been involved in or helped organize.
4. Personal Commitment to Conservation
- Share specific examples that demonstrate the nominee’s personal dedication to soil and water conservation.
- This might include implementing practices on their own land, speaking publicly about conservation, mentoring others, or volunteering beyond their board duties.
For reference: View the online application form
Deadline
March 31, 2026
*Support Materials
All nominations must include:
- At least one high-quality current photo of the supervisor (some additional “older” photos are welcome too!)
- Additional documentation that supports the nominee’s achievements and leadership, such as:
- Newspaper/magazine articles (or links to these articles)
- Letter(s) of support
- Photos of the supervisor involved in district meetings and/or events
Submit materials by the March 31 deadline via email to: Amy Work, IASWCD (amy-work@iaswcd.org).
Award Ceremony
The Supervisor of the Year award recipient will be honored during the Award Ceremony at the IASWCD Statewide Conference in January 2027. Join us in celebrating this dedicated leader and hearing firsthand why they champion conservation and support their district.
Confidentiality
Please note that this award is kept confidential between IASWCD, the award judges, and the nominator. IASWCD will contact the nominator after selection and will ask for support in coordinating the Supervisor’s attendance at the award ceremony.