The Council recognizes a Retired Life Member who has shown exemplary commitment to public education after retiring as a superintendent. The Distinguished Service award is our highest honor and is presented annually at our Fall Leadership Summit. Selections are made by our Distinguished Service Committee composed of Council officers and past presidents who are sitting superintendents.
2022 Distinguished Service Award Presentation

The 2022 Distinguished Service Award was presented to
Dr. Douglas W. Huntley, Retired Life Member, and former superintendent of Queensbury CSD on Sunday, September 18, 2022 in Saratoga Springs, NY. Doug has developed and supported educational leaders throughout his career. In retirement, he continues to give back and is co-directing LEAF’s Future Superintendents Academy.
A special thanks to
Signature Partner New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal (NYSIR) for sponsoring the 2022 award presentation.
Pictured L to R: NYSCOSS Executive Director Chuck Dedrick; NYSIR Assistant Executive Director Chuck Chafee; Doug Huntley; President Martha Group, Superintendent of Vernon Verona Sherrill School District; and Distinguished Service Chair Hank Grishman, Superintendent of Jericho UFSD.
2023 Distinguished Service Award Nomination
If you are interested in nominating an individual for the 2023 award, send your nomination to Deidre Hungerford by June 30, 2023 for inclusion in the selection process. Candidates can be nominated with this
nomination form or with an emailed letter. The Distinguished Service Committee will screen all nominations and will make their final selection of one candidate over the summer.