ACSO Emerging Professional Award 2025 Nomination

ACSO recognizes the need for the orchestra field to invest in future leaders from all backgrounds who will ensure the vitality of the art form. Therefore, the Emerging Professional Award recognizes the current contributions and the future potential of an individual who has been in the orchestra/classical music field for less than five years but who has already made significant contributions to their organization, irrespective of available resources or budget, and has demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing professional growth. This individual has experienced early career success in the field, has helped elevate the mission of their organization, and thus is actively making an impact in the community. 

This person demonstrates a thirst and curiosity for learning and self-development. This person is an asset to their organization by bringing new ideas, providing support to colleagues, challenging the status quo, championing inclusion and belonging, and demonstrating leadership. This individual brings positive energy to and invigorates organizational culture, while working to shore up its weaknesses and advance its strengths. 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Nominee: 

  • Must be in their first five years in the orchestra/classical music field (there is no age requirement) and may work in any area of performing arts management/administration 
  • Must work full-time or part-time at an ACSO member organization 
  • Must have made a significant contribution to his/her organization and/or the sector (specific examples must be provided)

ACSO upholds diversity, equity, and inclusion values and principles. As such, we encourage nominators to consider submitting candidates who meet the award criteria and represent a wide array of ages, genders, and ethnicities.

Nominator: 

  • May be a member of the board of directors, the executive director, or the direct supervisor of the nominee 
  • Cannot be the nominee, a family member, or direct-report of the nominee 
  • Should be well-acquainted with the nominee and can attest to his/her qualifications and accomplishments

NOMINATION & REVIEW PROCESS

The Nominator must complete and submit the online application before Friday, May 8th, 2025. 

The ACSO Awards Committee is comprised of ACSO staff, board, and members. When they complete their review and selection process, the nominator and winner will be notified, and the public announcement to the field will be made in June 2025. ACSO will provide the nominator’s organization with a press release that can be customized to send to local media. 

The recipient will receive a cash award of $500, underwritten by Dean McVay, ACSO Board Emeritus.

These awards are given solely based on the quality of the application and supporting materials. We encourage nominators to take their time and be intentional and specific when answering the questions on the award application. 

The awardee will be recognized during the 2025 Annual Conference in Costa Mesa (August 7-9, 2025)

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Describe the nominee’s significant contributions. Include specific comments on:  

  • Accomplishments: Describe the nature and quality of the nominee’s work, noting special achievements, innovation, initiative, and demonstrations of leadership. 
  • Visibility and impact of work: Describe the extent to which colleagues, leadership, community partners, audiences, program participants, etc. benefit from the nominee’s impact and collaboration


Provide an assessment of the nominee’s potential for future leadership and continued excellence in the field.

Include up to two (maximum) letters of endorsement from partners, clients, patrons, program participants, or those most impacted by the nominee’s work. Letters should state how this person is connected to the nominee, comment on the nominee's accomplishments, impact, and potential for future career growth, and lay out specific examples of why the nominee is deserving of this award.

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Upload a short bio (no more than 2 paragraphs) of the nominee