The Summit Award 

About

The Washington GIS Person of the Year, also known as the Summit Award, represents the highest recognition in the state for geographic information systems professionals. The award honors an individual whose leadership, innovation, and service have made a lasting impact on the GIS community in Washington. The 2026 Summit Award winner is announced during the opening plenary of the Washington GIS Conference. 

Criteria

• The nominee has changed the GIS profession in some significant way.
• The nominee shall have been practicing the profession for at least 10 years within Washington State.
• The nominee shall have made a significant contribution to the GIS profession and community in Washington State.
• The person should be known for their excellent work and successful projects in the GIS field.
• The nominee should have volunteered significant time for the GIS profession and community in Washington State.
• The nominee should not be a current WAGISA board member.

The Summit Award nomination form is available typically from March-May:

 Nominate Someone

See a list of past Summit Award winners.

Government Helping Government Award

About

We all know that person who goes over and above normal job duties, assisting others with technical issues, extra time for phone calls and answering endless questions. Here is an opportunity as a GIS community to recognize those extraordinary individuals. This award is announced at the State of Washington GIS Day in November.

Criteria

• The organization or individual is a State, county or local government who is assisting another WA government agency
• The time/work performed is not part of the agency or persons normal duties
• There is no compensation
• There is no requirement for the person or organization to perform the work.

The Government helping Government Award nomination form is available in October:

 Nominate Someone

See a list of past Summit Award winners.