20th Annual Director's Recognition Awards
Director's Recognition Awards | Award Categories & Descriptions | Award Sponsors
2002 | 2003 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015-2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 18th Annual | 19th Annual
Climate Adaptation Award
Recognizes those who have taken remarkable steps in preparing for and protecting against the adverse and imminent consequences of climate change.
Redwoods Rising - a collaboration between Save the Redwoods League, the National Park Service and California State Parks
Compass Award
Recognizes remarkable long-term visioning, innovative thinking and mentorship that fosters talent and provides support to staff at all levels.
Ricky Roldan
Training Section, Administrative Services Division

Equity and Diversity Award
Recognizes those who have made an exceptional contribution to ensuring all Californians have access to the outdoors and cultural sites and who have significantly contributed to the department’s values of equity and inclusion.
Outdoors for All Park Pass Program Team
Laurel Brode
Laura Kujubu
Kimberly Milruya
Jorge Moreno
Tad Perez
Gloria Sandoval
Andrew Shipley
Oscar Vasquez
Daniel Williford
Adeline Yee
CA State Library
Lisa Nowlain,
CA State Library
Reed Strege,
CA State Library
Rebecca Wendt,
CA State Library
Dept. of Social Services
Elizabeth Griffith,
Dept. of Social Services
Shannon Rohall,
Dept. of Social Services
Innovation Award
Recognizes those who have demonstrated the remarkable ability to complete tasks and projects or address park problems.
North Coast Redwoods Trail Crew
North Coast Redwoods District
Gary Asbury
Andrew Avila
Adam Baran
Luz Beltran
Bradley Butler
Dontae Cameron
Dee Dee Cathey
Joseph Cofresi
Brandon DePerna
Zeppelin Estrada
Abraham Eudy
George Evans
Caleb Farland
Nicholas Femenella
Justin Goerrs
Miriam Gregory
Camryn Hall
Jack Harris
Diego Hernandez
Christian Lopez
Jose Loza-Cruz
James Lynn
Dalton Olson
Jessica Ramirez-Lepe
Peter Richardson
Yony Rivas
Cole Saxen
Lincoln Stone
Melody Vaughn
Inspiration Award
Recognizes those who have achieved a major public objective while emphasizing community involvement.
Sarinah Simons
Sierra District
Leadership and Vision Award
Recognizes staff with the ability to motivate and inspire others to positive action and who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the ideals and values of State Parks.
Heather Holm
Interpretation and Education Division
Partnership Award
Recognizes partners—support organizations, teams or individuals—who have demonstrated a high level of commitment over a substantial period of time toward accomplishing department's mission.
Parks California
California State Parks Foundation
Save the Redwoods League
Professional Integrity Award
Recognizes employees who have demonstrated a high degree of honesty, integrity and idealism in the face of adverse pressure.
Jenan Saunders
Office of Historic Preservation
Resilience Award
Recognizes an individual or team who tirelessly and valiantly rose to enormous challenges during an emergency response situation and/or recovery effort.
Andrew Capistrano and Daniel Walsh
Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division
Trailblazer Award
Recognizes those who have introduced new ideas or methods to accomplish the mission of State Parks or pioneered new ways to introduce the public to state parks.
Terri Gaines
Natural Resources Division
Special Commendation Award
Given to an individual or team who has made a significant contribution toward accomplishing the mission and goals of State Parks. Efforts recognized by this award stand far above the norm and are
substantial in impact and worthy of recognition at the director’s level.
Fire and Forestry Crew
San Luis Obispo Coast District
Michelle Forsha
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division
Andrew Shipley
Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division
Kari Cotton
Southern Communications Center (SURCOM)
Lisa Andreano
Natural Resources Division
Kelly McFadden
San Luis Obispo Coast District
Special Act-Service Award
Given for an extraordinary act of heroism by an employee that extends far above the normal call of duty or service, and is performed at great risk to their own safety in an effort to save life and/or property.