Dr. Jackson R.E. Phillips Award

The Phillips Award was instituted in 1980 to annually recognize one APT US&C member for their professional leadership and significant contributions to professional treasury management. This is the Association’s most prestigious award, and was created to encourage and recognize the development of innovative programs in the field of public finance.

Do You Know Someone Who Should Be Considered? 
If you know of someone who embodies the spirit of the Phillips Award, we welcome your submission. Use the application form below and make sure to submit the nomination by the last day of April to be considered for the current year. Download more information and the application. Submit your nomination to [email protected].

2025 Award Recipient

  Carrie Mugford, Clerk/Treasurer
   Town of North Manchester - Indiana

With nearly 25 years of service in municipal government, Carrie has exemplified professionalism, dedication, and    leadership within the public treasury field. A committed member of APT US&C since 2017, she has also been an active and influential participant in her state treasury association, the Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers (ILMCT). Carrie is truly a role model within our profession.

Her pursuit of excellence is evident through the impressive list of credentials she has earned, including the CPFA, CPFIM, MMC, CMO, and IAMCA designations—each reflecting her strong commitment to continuous learning and mastery of her craft.

Carrie’s volunteer spirit is equally remarkable. Within APT US&C, she has generously contributed her time and expertise through service on the Conference Committee, Membership Committee, and Nominating Committee. At the state level, she has served as President of ILMCT, chaired the Conference Committee, and led the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. She has also co-chaired the Legislative Committee and served on the Mentor, Education, and Nominating Committees, consistently strengthening ILMCT through her leadership.

Her influence extends even further. Carrie has served as 2nd Vice President for a statewide organization committed to fostering municipal innovation, supporting local decision-making, and enhancing quality of life in Indiana communities. Nationally, she has shared her talents as a Regional Director for the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), representing her profession with distinction.

Perhaps most notably, Carrie has made a profound impact on legislative issues affecting not only her local community, but the entire State of Indiana. Through tireless analysis, thoughtful advocacy, and a commitment to educating others, she has helped shape meaningful policy with integrity, insight, and unwavering dedication.

Carrie’s service, leadership, and passion for public service embody the highest ideals of our profession, and her contributions continue to leave a lasting mark on the organizations and communities she so faithfully serves.

2023 Award Recipient
Catherine McClary, Treasurer, Washtenaw County, Michigan

 
History of Phillips Award Recipients

  • 1980 John G. DePalma - Portland, ME
  • 1981 J. Lowell Young - Murray, UT
  • 1982 Earl R. Hoenes - Austin, TX
  • 1983 Warren J. Hirschinger - West Allis, WI
  • 1984 Lu Herrera - Culver City, CA
  • 1985 Mary E. Turner - Anaheim, CA
  • 1986 Dale Hartgerink - Kalamazoo, MI
  • 1987 Jack Cross III - Cleveland, OH
  • 1988 Carl Levi, - Chattanooga, TN
  • 1989 Cleora Rawlins - Brigham City, UT
  • 1990 Linda Patterson - Fort Worth,TX
  • 1991 Lloyd Hara - Seattle, WA
  • 1992 Barbara Steckel - Riverside, CA
  • 1993 George Khtaian - Anacortes, WA
  • 1994 Roman Gronkowski - Southfield, MI
  • 1995 Mary Ulrich - Peoria, IL
  • 1996 Evelyn Radel - Barstow, CA
  • 1997 Kris Tompkins - Port Orchard, WA
  • 1998 Tony Davenport - Weatherford, OK
  • 1999 Frank O'Leary - Arlington County, VA
  • 2000 George Friedel - St. Petersburg, FL
  • 2001 Jack Krise - Parma, OH
  • 2002 Keith Sawdon - Oakland County, MI
  • 2003 Mike Murphy - Olympia, WA
  • 2005 Pat Dohany - Oakland County, MI
  • 2006 Ronald Koller - Murray City, UT
  • 2007 Jeffrey Cyphert - Grand Blanc, MI
  • 2008 Kent Rock - Boise, ID
  • 2009 Dana J. Kavander - Berea, OH
  • 2010 James A. Bell - Vandalia, OH
  • 2011 Anthony Francisco - Norman, OK
  • 2014 Matthew Horning - Ann Arbor, MI 
  • 2017 Bob Ponkilla - Oklahoma City, OK
  • 2019 John Globensky - Grand Rapids, MI
  • 2023 Catherine McClary - Washtenaw County, MI
  • 2025 Carrie Mugford - North Manchester, IN