HomePASPA Awards

PASPA Awards

The members of PASPA are dedicated to serving in their field with the high quality of leadership and professionalism that each student, school district, and intermediate unit deserves. PASPA has two awards for outstanding service in the roles of Human Resources Administration: William K. Dowler Award and PASPA President's Award.

Dowler Award Nomination

William K. Dowler Award

PASPA recognizes the importance of excellence and professionalism in the field of School Human Resources. William K. Dowler was one of the founders and a charter member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Personnel Administrators. Bill was the consummate personnel professional, combining great technical knowledge with excellent "people" skills. He was always willing to share this expertise with other practitioners in the field. Bill Dowler set the benchmark that the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators recognizes as a goal for all of its members.

The purpose of the award is to recognize a practicing school personnel/HR professional who is a member of the association. This individual will possess qualities and skills most often demonstrated by an outstanding personnel administrator. The award, when given, is presented at the annual conference.

Please consider nominating a PASPA colleague who exemplifies the qualities for which this special recognition is intended by simply clicking on the nomination link at the top.

2025 William K. Dowler Award

The 2025 Dowler Award was presented by Kimberly Keel of Kades-Margolis to Todd Stitzel, Director of Human Resources at Radnor Township School District at the 39th Annual Conference in Altoona.

PASPA President's Award

The President’s Award honors an outstanding individual who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success of our organization or has shown exceptional leadership in the field of human resources. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who go above and beyond to inspire, innovate, and drive meaningful impact within our organization and the HR community.

2025 PASPA President's Award

The President's award was presented by President, Michelle Zettlemoyer, to JR Godwin, Vice President of Business Affairs, Substitute Teacher Service at the 39th Annual PASPA Conference held at the Blair County Convention Center on February 27, 2025.

Past Dowler Award Recipients

2024 Emily Kehr
2022 Jacqueline McHale
2020 Dr. Dennis L. Riker
2019 Dr. Robert Harney

2018 Beth Leiss

2017 William Addy

2016 Bob Reger

2015 Dr. Koslo-Stahl

2012 Nancy Tischer

2011 Ian Strachan

2008 Jane Webster Mansuy

2007 Kim Talipan

2006 Patricia Valentine

2004 John Hewlett

2003 Dr. Joseph Bender

2002 John Fraser

2001 John W. Knebl

2000 David J. Sheneman

1999 Craig von Behren

1998 Elizabeth A. Weber

1997 Cathleen R. Rannels

1996 Dr. A. Richard Pitcock

1995 William A. Kearns

Past President's Award Recipients

2024 Brenda Marino
2023 Dr. Vincent Citarelli
2022 Joe Walsh
2021 Dr. Leticia Rodriguez
2020 Elizabeth Leiss

2018 Todd Stitzel

2017 Jeffrey Sultanik, Esq.

2016 Chris Antis

2014 George DeCaro
2012 Jane Webster Mansuy

2011 Jeanne Pocalyko

2010 Susan Stewart

2009 Flip Steinour

2008 Jean Rollo

2007 Judi Boren

2006 Kim Talipan
2005 Dr. James Antis

2004 David J. Sheneman

2003 John Knebl

2002 Dr. Deborah Kolonay

2001 Carol H. Shaw

2000 John Knebl

1999 Susan Stewart

1998 Dr. Elizabeth Weber

1997 Don Mincher

1996 Dr. James Kermes

1994 Dr. A. Richard Pitcock