Meta-Leader of the Year Award
For 15 years, the NPLI selected a program alumnus as the Meta-Leader of the Year. Honorees display extraordinary leadership in the midst of nationally or internationally significant crises or disruptive change. Their leadership impact could apply to a response, policy development, or organizational transformation.
Faculty members confer the award to the Meta-Leader who:
- Demonstrates remarkable character, including curiosity, courage, and confidence.
- Discovers and communicates situational insight that orients and engages followers.
- Builds connectivity of effort across the wide expanse of required people, leaders, and organizations.
- Inspires innovative action and productivity, aligned to the scenarios they face.
- Follows their moral compass, guiding by and guiding ethical decisions and actions.
2024 Recipient
Vice Admiral Peter Gautier
Deputy Commandant for Operations
U.S. Coast Guard
2023 Recipient
Marcus T. Coleman, Jr.
Director
DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
Federal Emergency Management Agency
2022 Recipient
Admiral Linda L. Fagan
Commandant
U.S. Coast Guard
2021 Recipient
Carol Cunningham M.D.
State Medical Director
Ohio Department of Public Safety
2020 Recipient
Alyssa Carrier
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
AC Disaster Consulting
2019 Recipient
Jim Andrews
Vice President
Health, Safety, Security, and Environment, Schlumberger Limited
2018 Recipient
Kerry Gilpin
Superintendent
Massachusetts State Police
2017 Recipient
Jono Anzalone
Vice President
International Services at American Red Cross
2016 Recipient
Jane Cage
Chairman
Joplin Citizens Advisory Recovery Team
2015 Recipient
Alice Hill
Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Resilience Policy
National Security Council, The White House
2014 Recipient
Martin Cetron M.D.
Director
Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2013 Recipient
William “Billy” Evans
Superintendent
Boston Police Department
2011 Recipient
Richard Serino
Deputy Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
2010 Recipient
Rear Admiral Peter V. Neffenger
Deputy National Incident Commander
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, U.S. Coast Guard
2009 Recipient
Richard Besser, M.D.
Acting Director
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
