Rosslyn Kleeman Keeper of the Flame Award

The “Keeper of the Flame” Award was established in 2000 as a regular special recognition award for “an individual who has continued to provide public service after their official retirement from the profession.” In establishing the new award, the National Public Service Award (NPSA) Executive Committee recognized that many individuals retire from their career positions and continue to serve the public in other volunteer or paid positions. Often, these active retirees become very directly involved in their local community, working with civic or non-profit organizations.

In 2003, this award was renamed the Rosslyn S. Kleeman Keeper of the Flame Award, in honor of the woman who chaired the NPSA Selection Committee for many years. Roz Kleeman exemplifies the concept of continuing to serve after her official “retirement.”

Nominations for the Keeper of the Flame Award follow the timeline and other requirements of the National Public Service Awards.

Award Eligibility and Nominations

Those who have retired from their public service career as of the nomination deadline will automatically be considered for the Keeper of the Flame Award. The Selection Committee has the option of awarding up to two Keeper of the Flame Awards.

All nominations must use the format outlined here:

A cover lever from the nominator must accompany the nomination.

The nomination itself may be no more than six pages (including a one-page summary of accomplishments and any attachments) and

Must be supplemented by at least two and up to five letters of endorsement. Letters of endorsement may be signed by more than one individual.

The nomination must contain:

1. 1) General Information (this is not counted as one of the six pages)
   1. Name, address, daytime phone, title, and organization of the nominee
   2. Name, address, daytime phone, title, and organization of the nominator
   3. Names, address, and phone numbers of three references who can evaluate the nominee’s achievements. Please note which aspects of the nominee’s accomplishments the individual can address
2. The text of the nomination should begin with a one-page summary of the accomplishments that the nominator believes make the nominee worthy of a National Public Service Award. This is the only piece of information that will be sent to the Screening Committee, which is charged with reviewing all nominations and thus developing the list of finalists from which the Selection Committee will choose winners.
3. Detailed information on specific accomplishments. This should comprise the bulk of the nomination. This could include discussions of creative and innovative programs to which the nominee has made a major contribution. What are the major impacts of the nominee’s work as a public manager or program leader? In essence, show how he/she has “made a difference.”
4. Brief summary of positions held and educational background.
5. Civic, community, and professional involvements conducted outside of the work environment (if none, state none).
6. Examples of a few other awards received (need not be comprehensive) **numbers 3 - 6 (above) should be expressed in no more than five pages** Nominations must follow the format provided. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Timeline for Submission

All components of the nomination must be received by December 1, 2022. Materials received after that date will not be provided to the Screening Committee, but will be submitted for the next year’s awards.

Contact Information

Cynthia Brown, (cbrown@napawash.org)