February 10, 2025
By Randy Ledbetter, Sterling Foundation Chairman
In January 2025, the Sterling Council Board of Directors approved the John A. Pieno, Jr. Leadership Award. Sponsored by the Sterling Foundation, this annual award will recognize one recipient in its inaugural year at the Governor’s Sterling Awards Banquet during the 33rd Sterling Leadership Conference.
The criteria for the award is based on benchmarking other award programs, including the Baldrige organization. The criteria are based on seven of the 11 Sterling Core Values:
- Systems Perspective
- Visionary Leadership
- Customer-Focused Excellence
- Valuing People
- Ethics and Transparency
- Delivering Value and Results
John A. Pieno, Jr. had an illustrious career as a Navy captain for 28 years. He was also a pilot who flew over 200 Vietnam missions, earning him three Silver Stars. John ended his Navy career as the commander of an aircraft carrier.
John subsequently established the Sterling Council, which seeks to enhance performance excellence and cultivate the highest level of leadership development. He will be remembered for his over 60 years of strong, steadfast leadership and lifelong commitment to excellence.
Nominations require a written online application with a maximum word count of 1,500. The nomination will be based on the Sterling Core Values and adherence to all listed nomination requirements for consideration. Online nominations must be submitted to the Sterling Council by midnight on March 31, 2025.
The online nomination form and supporting material are available at: https://thesterlingcouncil.org/organizational-assessments-awards/sterling-leadership-award/