The award is a twelve-inch bust that bears the likeness of E. David Spong; the namesake for the award.

About the Award

The E. David Spong Lifetime Achievement Award was authorized by the Baldrige Foundation Board of Directors in 2016. Recipients must have made sustained contributions of leadership excellence with exceptional and far-reaching magnitude in a manner worthy of recognition at the national level. The committee selects recipients for the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of an individual who has performed truly extraordinary service within the quality movement and Baldrige Enterprise. 

The award recognizes the individual’s whole of a career, rather than, or in addition to, a single contribution. Lifetime Achievement Award winners are credited with changing their world and inspiring others to do the same. This award evaluates the cumulative impact of a leader’s career, including influence on organizations, systems, and broader fields of practice.

This award recognizes lifetime impact and legacy. It is not based on a single role, position, or achievement.

Who May Be Nominated

Anyone may nominate an individual to receive this award; no self-nominations are permitted.  

Strong Nominees Demonstrate

• Sustained leadership over an extended period 
• Contributions to leadership systems, not just organizational success 
• Influence across multiple organizations, sectors, or communities 
• Enduring impact that continues beyond their direct role 
• A legacy that has shaped how others lead and operate

Requirements

• Made a positive impact in their respective field
• Earned recognition, awards, citations, etc., by other entities in their discipline; 
• Earned the respect of their peers 
• Been generally acknowledged as having reached the pinnacle of their discipline
• Demonstrated over their lifetime, innovation and creativity relating to organizational leadership and continuous improvement 

Role of Examples

Nomination essay examples should illustrate:

• Major contributions over time 
• Adoption or influence beyond a single organization 

Award Limits

• Up to one recipient may be recognized each year
• Award is not guaranteed and may be withheld
• An individual may not receive the award more than once

Ready to Nominate a Leader

• Learn more about How to Apply and Key Dates. 
• Prepare the required submission information listed below. 
• When ready to nominate a leader, select the "APPLY NOW" button, located at the top.

Submission Requirements

1. Online Award Nomination Form
   Fill out the nomination form in the online application. 
    
2. Biography or Curriculum Vitae
   Nomination must include the nominee's biography or curriculum vitae and at least one detailed example illustrating the nominee’s leadership impact, the systems or approaches they influenced, and the lasting outcomes that resulted.
    
3. Nomination Essay (1,200 word limit) 
   The essay must describe the nominee’s sustained contributions to leadership excellence and the long-term impact they have had within their field, profession, or broader leadership community. Responses should demonstrate how the nominee has earned national-level recognition through leadership, innovation, organizational improvement, and influence over time. Include examples of professional recognition, peer respect, and contributions that have advanced leadership or performance excellence practices. The nomination essay should contain clear and detailed statements of the nature and magnitude of the nominated individual’s contributions and leadership.
    

Questions and Online Application Help
awards@baldrigefoundation.org | 202.559.9195 | M-F, 9 AM–5 PM (ET)