About the Award

Each year, SNA recognizes all state presidents through the President’s Award of Service, in honor of Thelma Flanagan. SNA understands the commitment and dedication individuals who act as State President make to SNA, school nutrition, and the children SNA members serve every day.

Do State Presidents Need to Apply to Win?

2020-21 State Presidents: please submit your State Association Plan of Action Form to SNA Headquarters by December 15, 2020.

How will State Presidents Be Recognized?

State Presidents will be recognized for their year of service to SNA and the state association by receiving a framed certificate at the SNA Awards Ceremony at SNA’s Annual National Conference.

What are Potential State Initiatives to Undertake to Ensure a Successful Year?

As a state leader, you will find ample opportunity to enhance your leadership skills throughout the Annual Plan. Each state can design an energized plan that empowers members to be involved and supports SNA’s Strategic Plan, resulting in stronger school nutrition programs across the country. Consider SNA’s strategic goals as you plan your year ahead:

  • Strategic Goal I: Professional Development
  • Strategic Goal II: Advocacy
  • Strategic Goal III: Membership & Community
  • Strategic Goal IV: Governance & Operations

Who was Thelma Flanagan?

The President’s Award of Service, in honor of Thelma Flanagan, is named after Thelma Flanagan, who was a SNA pioneer and Past President. Throughout her long child nutrition career, Thelma Flanagan championed high professional standards for all SNA members. She promoted ongoing member training as the key to the development of quality school meal programs. In addition, she encouraged long-range vision and challenged members to adapt to change and raise the bar, in order to move student nutrition programs forward.

How to Apply

State Presidents: Please submit your State Association Plan of Action Form to SNA Headquarters

Submission Deadline

December 15, 2022

Award Winners

2021
Tonya Grier, Alabama
Susan Lampert, Alaska
Stephen Protz, Arizona
Jo Anna Spradlin, Arkansas
Johanna Jenkins, California
Kara Sample, Colorado
Erica Biagetti, Connecticut
Colleen Carter, Delaware
Roy Pistone, Florida
Tessany Lockhart, Georgia
Brenda Nagasawa, Hawaii
Rebecca Elmore, Idaho
Jill Mosher, Illinois
Leeanne Koeneman, Indiana
Mandy Vincent, Iowa
Karla Capansky, Kansas
Terina Edington, Kentucky
Alisa Roman, Maine
Terri Smith, Maryland
Susan Murray, Massachusetts
Diane Golzynski, Michigan
Mary Jo Lange, Minnesota
Jeremy Berry, Mississippi
Sarah Chellberg, Missouri
Louise Chandler, Montana
Karee Nielsen, Nebraska
Cory Smith, Nevada
Amy Cassidy, New Hampshire
Jaqueline Mermer, New Jersey
Janet Sanchez, New Mexico
Susan Bell, New York
Kristen Bealler, North Carolina
Emily Karel, North Dakota
Jennifer Bujak-Hirsch, Ohio
Gayle Leader, Oklahoma
Becki Wicks, Oregon
Gina Giarratana, Pennsylvania
Wanda Knight, South Carolina
Lynn Dunker, South Dakota
Vickie Dunaway, Tennessee
Michael Francis, Texas
Kayleen Anderson, Utah
Karyl Kent, Vermont
Sandra Stokes, Virginia
Janis Campbell-Aikens, Washington
Amanda Mcpherson, West Virginia
Michael Gasper, Wisconsin
Natalee Gaylord, Wyoming

2020
Jennifer Gilbert, Alabama
Sue Lampert, Alaska
Rick Hall, Arizona
Jo Anna Spradlin, Arkansas
Polly Houston, California
Shannon C. Solomon, Colorado
Ernie J. Koschmieder, Connecticut
Julie A. Kirby, Delaware
Lori Dornbusch, Florida
Cheryl Jones, Georgia
Anita Brower, Idaho
Kristin Voigts, Illinois
Dee Anne Orick, Indiana
Shelly Mohr, Iowa
Josh Mathiasmeier, Kansas
Catherine E. Hettmansperger, Kentucky
Lucretia Hertzock, Louisiana
David J. Roberts, Maine
Kristen Sudzina, Maryland
Thomas Houle, Massachusetts
Carolyn E. Thomas, Michigan
Vickie J. Speltz, Minnesota
Laura E. Bounds, Mississippi
Sarah Chellberg, Missouri
Louise Chandler, Montana
Lora Harders, Nebraska
Cory Smith, Nevada
Donna Reynolds, New Hampshire
Margaret M. DeBlasi, New Jersey
Rachel Martinez, New Mexico
Mark Bordeau, New York
Frederick Robert Gilbert, North Carolina
Michelle Wagner, North Dakota
Krystia M. Hess, Ohio
Krista Neal, Oklahoma
Becki Wicks, Oregon
E. Nichole Taylor, Pennsylvania
Sharon Hunt, South Carolina
Liz Marso, South Dakota
Vonda Bradford, Tennessee
Melissa Bryan, Texas
Kenneth B. Crawford, Utah
Marci Lexa, Virginia
Tiffany Curran, West Virginia
Jesse Bender, Wisconsin
Denise Kinney, Wyoming