2024 Greater Good Award Winner: Theresa Gunn

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