Submit Your Nomination: NCPERS Public Pension Communicator of the Year and Member Impact Awards
By: Lizzy Lees, Director of Communications, NCPERS.
With an expanded awards lineup, NCPERS is recognizing the people and projects advancing the public pension member experience
Every day, public pension professionals are finding new ways to strengthen communications, enhance services, and improve outcomes for the members they serve.
Through the Public Pension Communicator of the Year Award and the new Public Pension Member Impact Award, NCPERS is proud to recognize both the people and the projects driving that progress.
Whether you’re nominating a communications professional who has helped build trust and engagement or a project that has measurably improved the member experience, these awards provide an opportunity to share success stories and celebrate innovation across the public pension community.
Nominations for both awards are open through Wednesday, December 16, 2026, with winners receiving complimentary registration to the 2027 Communications & Member Services Summit in New Orleans.
Highlighting Projects That Improve the Member Experience
Improving the member experience frequently requires collaboration across teams and departments. That’s the idea behind the new Public Pension Member Impact Award.
The award recognizes a project, program, service enhancement, or technology solution that has delivered measurable improvements for members. Examples may include enhanced member portals, retirement education initiatives, call center improvements, digital engagement strategies, or other innovative approaches that strengthen outcomes for plan participants.
- Find answers to frequently asked questions.
- Review the judges’ scoring criteria.
- Submit your nomination by December 16!
By focusing on outcomes rather than individuals, the award celebrates the collective work that helps members more easily access information, understand their benefits, and prepare for retirement.
Recognizing the People Behind Exceptional Communications
NCPERS Public Pension Communicator of the Year Award honors staff members at public retirement systems who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, creativity, and measurable impact through their communications work.
Whether launching a new communications campaign, simplifying complex retirement topics, improving digital engagement, or helping members make informed decisions about their benefits, these professionals play a critical role in helping retirement systems fulfill their mission.
- Find answers to frequently asked questions.
- Review the judges’ scoring criteria.
- Submit your nomination by December 16!
NCPERS Public Pension Communicator of the Year Award also includes a Rising Star category, recognizing emerging professionals who are already making meaningful contributions to their organizations and the public pension community.
Nominations for both awards close Wednesday, December 16, 2026. We encourage you to submit a nomination and help recognize the people and projects making a difference for public pension members every day!