The Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (LRC) is accepting nominations for the 2015 and 2016 Vic Hellard Jr. Awards.
While both awards will shine a light on legislative staff members who have exemplified high standards in service to the Kentucky General Assembly, the 2015 award will be presented to a current member of the LRC.
The 2016 award will go to a past LRC employee. In future years, the award will alternate between those two classifications
The Hellard award was created in memory and recognition of longtime LRC Director Vic Hellard Jr. Hellard was a champion of legislative independence and played an instrumental role in the modernization of the legislative institution and nonpartisan staffing.
Serving nearly two decades at the helm of LRC, Hellard was known not just for his contributions to an independent General Assembly, but also for his wit, appreciation of history, He also mentored hundreds of young people who now serve the people of the Commonwealth and carry on his legacy.
In 2015, the LRC changed the eligibility criteria for the Hellard Award to specifically honor nonpartisan legislative staff members, past and present.
“We are very pleased to assume responsibility for administering this prestigious award,” said David A. Byerman, Director of the Legislative Research Commission. “I can think of no greater way to honor Vic Hellard’s legacy than by designating this award to recognize current and former LRC employees.”
A nomination should be made via a letter of no more than three pages and must be submitted to the Office of the Director of the LRC by the close of business on Monday, March 14. Nominations should be sent to:
Hellard Award Selection Committee
Attn: David A. Byerman, Director
700 Capitol Avenue, Room 300
Frankfort, KY 40601
Or by email here: HellardAward@lrc.ky.gov
Nomination letters should explain how the nominee, in past or current service to the General Assembly:
· Enhanced the role of the legislature in the public eye
· Exemplified high standards of excellence in serving the Legislative Research Commission with skill, dedication, professionalism, integrity and dignity
· Demonstrated a clear vision and understanding of the role and responsibility of legislative staff in strengthening and upholding the institution of the legislature
· Provided distinguished service to the Kentucky General Assembly with a spirit of commitment, caring, generosity, honesty and humor
· Demonstrated an appreciation for the legislative process and its integral relationship to preserving the principles of representative democracy
· Made exceptional professional contributions through facilitating public dialogue, informing citizens and decision makers, and embracing civic engagement
· Demonstrated a clear vision of the role and responsibility of legislative staff, and the need for supportive and collaborative teamwork in strengthening and upholding the legislative branch
Information on the award is also available online here .
Kentucky Legislative Research Commission