The Exemplary Service Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and volunteerism to AESA and its programs. Selected by the AESA Executive Council, this prestigious award recognizes those who have shown extensive leadership in advancing educational service agencies (ESAs) at the regional, state, or national level. Nominees for this award must exemplify a strong commitment to AESA and demonstrate actions that go above and beyond their regular job expectations.
Criteria for the Award
- Individuals of strong character.
- Demonstrates a "people first" attitude through their actions.
- Compassionate collaborators who use foresight in their service.
- Proven to have exercised moral authority in their leadership.
2024 Recipient
Craig Burford
Ohio Educational Service Center Association
At the 2024 Summer Leadership Conference, Craig Burford, Executive Director of the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA), was honored with the 2024 Exemplary Service Award by AESA’s Executive Council. This award recognizes individuals for exceptional service and volunteerism to AESA. Burford, who has led OESCA since 2000, was the first state association executive director elected to AESA's Executive Council in 2018. His leadership extends through his work on the AESA Perspectives Editorial Board, his role in organizing the state association executive directors' network, and his efforts in state advocacy support. Read more here.
This award is named in honor of Peter C. Young, a charter member of AESA, a founding member of the AESA Foundation, and AESA's Chief Financial Officer for fourteen years. His dedicated service and leadership have left a lasting legacy in advancing the mission of AESA.