2008 National Center for State Courts Staff Awards

Fred Cheeseman
Staff Excellence Award

A notable example of Fred's significant contribution is his work in the area of improving and evaluating many aspect of the criminal sentencing process.  He was instrumental in a large scale evaluation of the Midtown Community Court, which was among the first studies to show the utility of the community court concept for improved outcomes in addressing quality of life crimes.  Today, Fred is directing an evaluation of the Philadelphia Community Court as a recognized leader in the field.

Fred was also a key player in a landmark evaluation conducted by the NCSC of Virginia’s risk assessment instrument.  Based on the evaluation results, Virginia’s approach has been recognized as a national model for dealing appropriately with nonviolent criminal offenders. In addition, Fred has been at the forefront nationally of using research and evaluation methods to improve the design and verify the benefits of the drug court model. Fred has also developed state-of-the-art evaluation strategies for studying “blended sentencing” (the use of adult and juvenile sanctions for juvenile offenders) in Minnesota, Ohio, and Vermont as well as for assessing the effectiveness of new treatment and monitoring programs for DUI offenders. His role has been critical to establishing the leadership position of the NCSC in the large and important area of developing more effective criminal sentencing practices. This is a core area for the NCSC and a hallmark of recent NCSC success.

In addition, Fred has worked to stay on the cutting edge of new developments and techniques in research design and methodology.  Staff in Williamsburg and Denver benefit directly (as well as court staff throughout the country)  from Fred’s knowledge and skills because he is always willing to discuss and explain the most appropriate ways to approach a wide-range of research issues. 

The Staff Excellence Award was instituted in 1984 and is presented annually to an employee whose work has significantly contributed to the fulfillment of the mission of the NCSC. Through demonstrated expertise, professionalism and commitment, the recipient of this award consistently produces a high quality of service which enhances the reputation of the Center and earns the support and trust of all segments of the court community.
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John Cipperly
Jeanne A. Ito Award

John has been a key component of NCSC’s success particularly in Kosovo, our largest international Rule of law project. The USAID-funded Kosovo Justice Support Program and its predecessor, the Justice System Reform Activity in Kosovo, have been actively supporting the justice system in Kosovo for the past five years.

The Kosovo Justice Support Program project is a complex effort involving six discrete, yet related tasks and an in-country staff of 30, including seven expatriates and six subcontractors. Melding these factors into one winning proposal required an extraordinary amount of hard work on Cipperly’s part, and NCSC has benefited greatly from his efforts.

John Cipperly has developed and demonstrated a reputation for expertise, professionalism, and commitment that continues to enhance the reputation of the Center and earns the support and trust of all segments of the court community.

The Jeanne A. Ito Award was instituted in 1986 to honor the late Jeanne A. Ito, a former NCSC staff member. In only five years with the Center, Jeanne developed a reputation for innovation, initiative, enthusiasm and the highest standards of ethical behavior. This Award provides an opportunity to acknowledge those employees with five years or less service with the Center who exemplify these same traits as well as contribute to an environment of cooperation, coordination and teamwork.
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Daniel Serda
Florence McConnell Award

Daniel has had to endure the requests and complaints from all staff with good spirits. Daniel goes the "extra mile" to ensure staff needs are met. Staff don’t believe the Center would be as well run without Daniel’s good will and efforts.

Sometimes we begin our day after a tiring drive, demanding morning or restless night…every little thing seems to set us off – it's too hot, it's too cold, the lights don't work, my chair won’t adjust, the trash can wasn't emptied. Regardless of the complaint, one person has a smile and a "fix" that seems to make the day better – Daniel Serda. No assignment is too difficult for Daniel to solve – his can-do attitude, his commitment to going the "extra mile" and his incredible positive spirit have earned him the respect and affection of his fellow employees who nominated and selected him for the McConnell award. The Center just wouldn’t be the same without Daniel’s gift for making it "right."

The Florence A. McConnell Award was instituted in 1991 and is presented annually in recognition of the late Florence McConnell. Florence was a much loved and respected member of the National Center. This Award is presented in her memory to a National Center employee whose interaction with the courts and fellow employees creates an atmosphere of trust and respect. The recipient of this Award not only maintains a high level of professional performance but also is supportive of Center colleagues in their professional or personal challenges.
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Agape Kokovidis Zagaris
Katherine T. Wilke Memorial Scholarship

Agape is currently enrolled in curriculum courses at Thomas Nelson Community College and aspiring to attain a Liberal Arts AA.

She is taking classes to help her develop and maintain her English language skills as well as enriching her knowledge in general.

The Katherine T. Wilke Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to recognize an employee who exhibits the qualities characteristic of the late Katherine T. Wilke. As Deputy Director of Development, Ms. Wilke held herself to high standards both personally and professionally. Her determination to excel in life and her constant effort to improve professionally were evidenced throughout her 13 years of dedicated service to the National Center for State Courts.
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Hank Heidt
Dale A. Sipes Memorial President’s Award

Hank’s commitment to excellence has been evident in the successful opening of the Center House on 111 Second Street behind the US Supreme Court. The NCSC presence on Capitol Hill has already added to the Center’s prestige with Congress and our national partners – NGA, NCSL and FJC. “Hitting it out of the ballpark” only begins to describe the numerous hours that Hank spent tackling local zoning ordinances, permitting processes, architects, designers and contractors. The “grand opening” during NCSC Board week was a tremendous success and the state courts have already begun to schedule events at the new “Center House.” Dale and Larry would be very proud of the Center House and Hank’s contribution to its creation.

The Dale Sipes Memorial President’s Award was created by family and friends of Dale Sipes, a former NCSC staff member. This award recognizes an individual or a team who is responsible for an extraordinary project or activity which improved service to the state courts and enhanced the reputation of the National Center for State Courts.
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Dick VanDuizend
Robert W. Tobin Achievement Award

Dick has been a key member of the team developing the International Framework for Court Excellence – an international version of CourTools. His understanding of court administration, judicial administration and international diversity were essential to the successful launching of the Framework at a conference in Australia in September. Working with Dan Hall and Richard Schaufler, Dick and the team are now developing an international web site for the Framework that has already become recognized by the international community and joins CourTools as one of the Center’s most successful products.

Upon his retirement the National Center announced the creation of the Robert Tobin Achievement Award as an internal award to recognize excellence and achievement by NCSC staff. This award recognizes the best product that NCSC has produced over the past year and is offered to an individual or a team who developed a product that represents the excellence of the NCSC.
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