ASHA Public Service Award

Nominate a Public Official

Do you know a public official who’s made a real difference in the fields of audiology or speech-language pathology? Help us recognize their impact by nominating them for ASHA’s Public Service Award—our highest honor for public officials.

This award celebrates elected leaders or policymakers who have championed public policy issues that benefit our professions and the people we serve.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Nominees must be:

A public official (elected or appointed)
Still living at the time of the award decision
Someone who’s made a significant contribution to the professions of audiology and/or speech-language pathology

Why It Matters

ASHA's advocacy success depends on strong allies in public office. This award highlights those who push for public policies that support our professions and amplify our voices.

Past winners include:

Senator Casey Weinstein (OH): Sponsored Madeline’s Law.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA): Championed Medicare coverage for audiology.
Reps. Mike Thompson (CA) & David McKinley (WV): Led the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus.

Who Can Nominate?

You must be an ASHA member in good standing.

You may nominate up to two public officials per year (one form per nomination).

How to Nominate

Fill out the nomination form.
Describe how the nominee has supported our professions and made a lasting impact.
Submit it by Friday, August 1, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Key Dates

August 1, 2025: Nominations due.
August 2025: ASHA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Board reviews nominations.
September 2025: ASHA's Board of Directors selects the awardee.
October 2025: Winner is notified.
November 2025: Award presented at the ASHA Convention in Washington, DC.