Award recipients are celebrated for their exemplary leadership and their crucial role in shaping the Main Street Movement. Introduced in 2019 and announced annually at the Main Street Now Conference, the Mary Means Leadership Award also recognizes the outstanding and steadfast leadership of Main Street America’s founder, Mary Means.
Eligibility: Current employees, board members, and volunteers of a Local or Coordinating Program with an active membership are eligible to be considered for the Mary Means Leadership Award.
Nominations: Our call for 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award nominations is open! Individuals may nominate themselves or others for the award by submitting a completed application, including providing letters of support describing how the nominee demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities. Nominations will be accepted through the online portal from October 21, 2024-December 6, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Download a preview of the application here >
Evaluation & Selection: Evaluation criteria include a nominee’s track record in building local capacity, leading through strategy, centering equity in their work, exhibiting innovation and ingenuity, convening diverse stakeholders through a shared vision, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, and advancing community preservation. Recipients are selected from a nationwide pool of nominations by a jury of past recipients, Main Street America staff, and external partners.
Accolades & Ceremony: The 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient will receive a $1,000 professional development stipend for the Main Street America Institute, a $500 professional development travel stipend, media relations support, a special feature on the Main Street America website, and recognition at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Preguntas: Envíe un correo electrónico a samraen@mainstreet.org.