Awards Overview

Each year ACSA recognizes a select group of individuals for their significant contributions to education through three prestigious awards named in memory of past ACSA leaders: Ferd. Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award, Marcus Foster Memorial Award for Administrator Excellence and the Robert E. Kelly Award.

In addition, members are honored for outstanding performance and achievement as Administrators of the Year in 21 job-alike categories.

The Valuing Diversity Award is given to the member whose efforts to promote diversity epitomize ACSA’s mission statement.

Programs and businesses that collaborate with administrators in support of education are also recognized though the Partners in Educational Excellence Award.

2024-2025 Recipients

  • Superintendent: Carmen Garcia, Ed.D
  • Secondary Principal: Greg Louie
  • Middle Grades Principal: Ginelyn Doldolea-Kudsi
  • Elementary Principal: Rochelle Renae Espitia
  • Central Office Administrator: Joann Vaars
  • Secondary Co-Administrator: Frankie Kellett
  • Classified Leader: Reina Gonzalez
  • Personnel/Human Resources Administrator: José Vicente González, Ed.D
  • Special Education Administrator: Melissa Rojek
  • Student Services Administrator: Shannon Bui
  • Curriculum & Instruction Administrator: Jenay L. Enna
  • Retired Administrator: Clifford E. Tyler, Ed.D
  • Valuing Diversity Award: Juan Cruz
  • Adult Education Administrator: Christine Berdiansky
  • Technology Administrator: David Wu
  • Business Office Administrator: Stephanie Gomez
  • CTE Administrator: Joell Hanson
  • Every Student Succeeding, PK–12 Education: Erick De La Rosa Aguilera

Region Deadline

Please note: the statewide submission deadline for all nominations is Jan 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Resources and Nomination Forms

Log in to acsa.awardsplatform.com to begin your nominations, or visit acsa.org/awards for complete information on the program as well as helpful resources.

ACSA Awards Program: acsa.org/awardsNomination Portal: acsa.awardsplatform.com