Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

November/December, 1995

1995 NADE Awards Honor Excellence and Commitment
by Sue Heflin, Awards Chair

NADE HONORED INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR contributions to their professional organization. It is through their dedication and example that NADE is able to grow and make an impact as a professional organization.

The President’s Award - This award is presented in recognition of an outstanding NADE Chapter. The Texas Association of Disability Examiners has demonstrated professional activism through position papers, "lunch and train" meetings, and Redesign position proposals. In between time they found time for a host of charity activities as well as personal enrichment through Pumpkin Carving and Christmas Caroling. This chapter gained 25 new members and has lived up to their motto of "...making a difference."

The Charles O. Blalock Award - This award is made in recognition of an individual who has contributed to the leadership and organizational advancement of NADE over a period of at least three years. This year NADE honored Susan LaMorte of the New Jersey Association of Disability Examiners. Her career has been characterized by her dedication and commitment. She has been recognized for outstanding professionalism and leadership in the field of disability adjudication. She has been a driving force in the rejuvenation of the New Jersy chapter. Her dedication to NADE has been exhibited by her leadership at state, regional and national levels.

The NADE Award - This award honors and recognizes the examiner of the year. Dorlene McDuffie of the North Carolina Association of Disability Examiners is this year’s recipient. She handles most of the tedious and problem cases, having them personally reassigned to her. She voluntarily accepts the first receipts of any specialized cases to be better equipped to answer questions, troubleshoot problems and empathize with examiners. Her door is always open and she is never too busy to help others.

The John Gordon Award - This award recognizes superior performance of a State Agency Supervisor. This year’s recipient is Becky Dougherty of the Minnesota Association of Disability Examiners. This supervisor does whatever has to be done to promote members of her unit. She monitors work, provides encouragement and makes sure that employees attain necessary skills for promotion. She is known for her saying, "Do your best...do what you can...and if you have a problem come talk to me any time."

The Lewis Buckingham Award - This award honors and recognizes a leader of NADE who has contributed at least ten years of continuous service to the organization. Bob Burgess of the Texas Association of Disability Examiners was presented with this award. Throughout all thirty years of service he has remained committed to NADE, the claimants, and the taxpayers. His continual efforts to keep NADE at the forefront of all Congressional regulation and policy has resulted in giving multiple testimonies, both oral and written. Openness, direct and immediate communication and a willingness to work with all NADE members has been his hallmark.

The Directors Award - This award honors an outstanding support staff professional. Kimberly Moore of the Missouri Association of Disability Examiners is this year’s recipient. She came through the DDS doors in 1991 and "hit the ground running." Her ability to adapt and learn new skills allows her to provide exceptional assistance in all phases of disability case processing. She maintains a bright and cheerful presence in even the most stressful situation. She has been an active member of NADE at the local, regional and national levels.

The Earl B. Thomas Award - This award recognizes an Administrator of a State Agency who far exceeds the responsibilities of the position and who actively supports the advancement of NADE. This year’s award goes to Doug Willman of the Nebraska Association of Disability Examiners. He has been an energetic and innovative administrator for eighteen years. He has consistently supported NADE and makes every effort to give members an opportunity to attend conferences. He is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the position of the disability examiner.

The Frank Barclay Award - This award is given to honor excellence in human resource development. This year’s recipient is Mary Jane Berry of the Texas Association of Disability Examiners. She is an enthusiastic and energetic trainer who carefully researches topics. She is known for her positive attitude and truly caring about her chosen vocation. In addition to her training activities, she willingly and cheerfully takes time for chapter activities and agency workgroups.