Awards Descriptions and Past Recipients

The National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates & Mitigation Specialists presents the following awards annually:

John Augustus Award
Outstanding Contributions to the Profession of Sentencing Advocacy
The National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates & Mitigation Specialists presents the John Augustus Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession of Sentencing Advocacy in recognition of dedication and commitment in the advancement of the profession of sentencing advocacy. John Augustus Award recipients are considered to be role models for many of us as we face the challenges of performing the duties of a sentencing advocate. Through their leadership, the profession of sentencing advocacy increasingly receives the acceptance it deserves.

Nominate an outstanding advocate

Past Recipients:
2006 Dick Burr, Attorney, Houston, TX
2005 New York Capital Defenders Office
2004 Mark D. Cunningham, PhD, ABPP, Lewisville, TX
2003 Pamela Jones-Brice, Defender Services Program, The Legal Aid Society, NY
2002 Vincent Schiraldi, Center on Juvenile & Criminal Justice, Washington, DC
2001 National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Washington, DC
2000 Frank Einstein, Mitigation Specialist, Nashvillle, TN
1999 Jill Miller, Mitigation Specialist, Madison WI
1998 Sharon Patrick, Wisconsin Public Defender, Madison, WI
1997 Betsy Biben, Public Defender Service, Washington, DC
1996 Mildred George, Consultant, Delray Beach, FL

Mim George Award
Outstanding Contributions by an Organization
The National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates & Mitigation Specialists presents the Mim George Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASAMS in recognition of the dedication, commitment and tireless efforts an organization has extended towards the achievement of NASAMS' goals. Mim George Award recipients have utilized their energy, wise counsel and administrative skills to offer strength and direction to our organization and have provided NASAMS with a solid base upon which it will continue to build.

Nominate an organization that has made and outstanding contribution

Past Recipients:
2006 Annie E. Casey Foundation, Baltimore, MD
2005 Cessie Alfonso, Troy, NY
2004 The Sentencing Project, Washington, DC
2003 Bronx Defenders, Bronx, NY
2002 Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
2001 Office of the Dade County Public Defender, Miami FL
2000 Stevenson Psychological Associates, Inc., Baltimore, MD
1999 National Center on Institutions & Alternatives, Alexandria, VA

The Sentencing Project Award
Outstanding Contributions by a Supporting Organization or Person
The National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates & Mitigation Specialists presents The Sentencing Project Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Supporting Organization or Person in recognition of a supporting person's or organization's commitment to excellence in serving clients, the courts, and the community.

Make a nomination.

Past Recipients:
2006 Delegate Salima Siler Marriot, Former Delegate to Maryland House of Delegates, Baltimore, MD
2005 Jenner and Block Pro Bono Services, Chicago, IL
2004 Governor George Ryan, Former Governor of Illinois, Kankakee, IL
2003 Jeannie Santos, USDOJ Bureau of Justice Assistance
2002 Charles and Pauline Sullivan, CURE
2001 State Public Defender Office, Hartford, CT
2000 Center for Community Alternatives, Syracuse, NY
1999 Legal Aid Society, New York, NY

President's Award
The President (Chair) of the Executive Committee of the National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates & Mitigation Specialists presents the President's Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASAMS in recognition of extraordinary dedication to the work of the Executive Committee and the Alliance. President's Award recipients have volunteered their time and talents to assist the Alliance in realizing its mission and potential.

Past Recipients:
2006 James Tibensky, Mitigation Specialist, Chicago, IL
2005 Jane Ribadeneyra, National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Washington, DC
2004 Kit Murphy-McNally, The Benedict Center, Milwaukee, WI
2003 Ted Ashby, The Sentencing Project, Washington, DC
2002 Nancy Pagani, Mitigation Specialist, Fuquay-Varina, NC
2001 Christine Fiechter, Youth Advocacy Project, Roxbury, MA
2000 Lisa A. Rickert, Mitigation Specialist, Madison, WI