For decades, Penny has been a force of nature within IAP2—an unwavering advocate for meaningful involvement, a generous mentor to emerging professionals, and a trusted facilitator in even the most challenging of spaces. As a longtime IAP2 trainer, Penny has formally trained thousands of people across the country, with a particularly deep and lasting influence in the Pacific Northwest. Her ability to translate core principles into practical application has not only helped define the P2 field, but it has also shaped the careers of so many who now lead engagement efforts in communities large and small. Her teaching has consistently elevated the standard of practice and ensured that the values of inclusion, transparency, and respect remain front and center. 

Her combination of wit and wisdom, skill and pragmatism, process and subject-matter knowledge, along with her generosity to share those talents is a model for the best of our practice. She has helped countless people build relationships and solve complex problems together, as well as inspired confidence in new practitioners across the country as they build their public participation skills through her training delivery.

Of course, to know Penny is to also know her warmth, her joy, and her wit. A hardcore fly fisherwoman with a quick smile and contagious laugh, she brings humanity and heart into every interaction. She is one of a kind—and while she may be stepping back, her mark on this profession is enduring. Her legacy will continue to benefit the field of public participation for many years to come. 

2025 Greater Good Award Winner: Lewis Michaelson

Lewis has been truly instrumental in shaping the foundations of IAP2 and the core principles and approach of modern public participation. 

I remember when I first started with IAP2, Lewis sent me photos of the original sticky notes from when the Core Values and Code of Ethics were created—just last month he shared a beautiful article he wrote about empathy in public participation. 

Because he has always done this work in service to furthering the practice and without seeking recognition, the acknowledgment of his contributions to the practice and the organization are long overdue.

For more than three decades, Lewis has been at the heart of shaping both IAP2 and the field of public participation. A past President, life member, longtime trainer, and one of the principal creators of the IAP2 Spectrum, his impact is woven throughout the organization and the practice of P2. He has facilitated thousands of meetings, trained countless practitioners, and consistently modeled what inclusive, ethical participation should look like.

Above all, Lewis’s legacy is his unwavering commitment to the belief that those affected by a decision have the right to be involved in making it.

After more than 20 years as the founder and president of Gunn Communications, Inc., Theresa joined the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), the agency tasked with  protecting public health and the environment in Arizona where she focused on improving the Agency's engagement of its customers, stakeholders and the public. After assisting ADEQ in establishing a Community and Intergovernmental Engagement section, Theresa retired in March 2024. ADEQ greatly benefited from her passion over three decades of highly respected and effective public participation experience. Theresa’s wide-angle view on community engagement and participation helped lead ADEQ through a fundamental reassessment, enhancement and redeployment of ADEQ’s community involvement approach, In response to Arizona Governor Hobbs’ strategic vision to improve public participation, and under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Karen Peters, ADEQ embarked on this new journey with Theresa's guidance and mentorship. With her help, the agency revamped the Community Liaison and outreach programs and developed the Office of Community and Intergovernmental Engagement (CIE). As an IAP2 Master Certified Public Practitioner, Theresa was able to demonstrate how the IAP2 values and philosophy are a necessary part of assisting the agency in fulfilling our Mission/Vision: to protect and enhance public health and the environment. 

With Theresa’s advocacy, ADEQ leadership approved the training of 30 outreach staff (roughly 8% of ADEQ staff) to take the 40-hour fundamental and design training. This movement has led to one staff member applying for a CP3 credential and a second in the pipeline to apply. Theresa inspired more than just an engagement process; she began a cultural transformation at the agency that will continue for decades to come. With this shift, Arizona’s public has commented that ADEQ is listening. Communities are feeling heard and ADEQ is responding to their concerns. Trust and relationships are being built and strengthened thanks to Theresa Gunn and her engagement expertise. 

2023 Greater Good Award Winner: Doug Sarno

This year Doug Sarno has been selected to receive the Greater Good Award. 

The contributions he has made to IAP2 are many. He served as the Executive Director for IAP2 from 1996 to 2001. He was one of three course developers when IAP2 developed its first training program starting in 1999 and moved on to serve as a Master Trainer beginning in 2005. He delivered that training to hundreds of people over the next 22 years. He has served as a judge for IAP2’s Core Values Award program for over twenty years. Doug regularly brings together diverse groups to discuss controversial subjects, make consensus recommendations, and establish effective teams.

He has designed, managed, and facilitated well over 1,000 meetings, more than twenty long-term stakeholder advisory boards, and 10 national stakeholder forums. His project successes provide lived experience in the value of engaging the public in decision-making for everyone lucky enough to participate. Doug Sarno truly represents the values behind the IAP2 Greater Good Award. He professionalism to the industry and service to IAP2 makes him most deserving of this award. 

Recently appointed as Executive Director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership in Malibu, Maureen served the City of Morgan Hill, California and was involved in projects and initiatives that improved the quality of life in Morgan Hill and community access to local government, including playing a vital role in the early success of the Centennial Recreation Center (CRC) During that time, community access was significantly improved through the Community Use Policy and enabled local non-profits to utilize the facility 

Over the last year, Maureen has spent significant time and effort keeping the community informed about COVID-19 and the related stay-at-home orders, testing, and vaccination updates. She served as Morgan Hill’s lead Public Information Officer during the SCU Lightning Complex Fire and supported the Morgan Hill Police Department during multiple protests. Maureen is a strong supporter of IAP2 and the Greater LA Chapter. 

Congratulations and well deserved Maureen.

Wendy has made many contributions to the field of public participation and to IAP2 devoting  thousands of volunteer hours to IAP2 during her nearly 30 years as a member. Serving on both the US and International Boards, she currently heads the Professional Certification Task Force. Wendy was instrumental in the formation of the Intermountain Chapter of IAP2 in 1995 and has served as the Chapter Treasurer since its inception.  

Wendy co-developed the Techniques module of the IAP2 Foundations Course.  She is a highly regarded trainer, praised for her thoroughness, commitment and genuine care for the students and the subject matter.  Wendy has served as a mentor to many P2 professionals, both formally and informally.  She models each of the IAP2 Core Values in every P2 process.

Wendy’s many contributions to the organization and this profession exemplify the purpose and intent of the Greater Good Award and she is truly deserving. Congratulations Wendy. Wendy owns her own business,  P2 Solutions, and is a partner in The Participation Company