Awards
IPA is dedicated to recognizing excellence and outstanding contributions in the field of psychology. Our awards honor individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted the profession and the community. These awards include the Distinguished Psychologist Award, the Early Career Psychologist Award, and the Humanitarian Award, among others. Through these recognitions, we celebrate achievements that inspire and advance the practice and science of psychology
In This Section
IPA Awards Categories and Histories
IPA Service Award Recipients
The IPA Service Award recognizes individuals who are not IPA members, or eligible for IPA membership, and who have rendered outstanding service to IPA or to the citizens of Iowa in a manner consistent with the goals of the association.
2022
Dr. Darbie Little-Cooper
2021
Maxwell Mowitz
2019
Hayward Draper
Laura Steffensmeier, Iowa Psychology Board
Sharon Dozier, Iowa Psychology Board
2016
Rep Linda Miller
Sen Joe Bolkcom
2014
Rep Dave Heaton
Sen Pam Jochums
2012
Charles Palmer, IDHS
2008
Rep. Mark Smith, Iowa Legislature
Maureen Rank, Former IPA Executive Director
Senator Tom Harkin, U.S. Senate
2006
Sharon Kendall-Dunn, Private Citizen
2005
Vic Moss, Private Citizen
Rep. Betty Grundberg, Iowa Legislature
Rep. Greg Ganske, U.S. House of Representatives
2004
Ann Seals, Private Citizen
Michael Hammes, Heritage National Health Plan
Senator Elaine Szymoniak, Iowa Legislature
Senator Charles Grassley, U.S. Senate
2002
Rep. James Leach, U.S. House of Representatives
Don Ziska, VAMC, Knoxville
IPA Phil Laughlin Meritorious Achievement Award Recipients
The IPA Phil Laughlin Meritorious Achievement Award is intended to honor an IPA member for outstanding service to the association. All IPA members are eligible to be considered for this award except those currently serving on the IPA Executive Council.
2024
Benjamin Tallman, Ph.D.
2023
Sally Oakes Edman, Ph.D.
2022
Kevin Krumvieda, Ph.D.
2021
Warren Phillips, Ph.D.
2020
Jim Thorpe, PsyD
2019
Stewart Ehly, Ph.D.
2018
Norm Scott, Ph.D.
2014
Warren Phillips, Ph.D.
2013
No nominee
2012
Robert R. Hutzell, Ph.D.
2011
Don Damsteegt, Ph.D.
2010
Michele Greiner, Ph.D.
2009
Eva Christiansen, Ph.D.
Dave McEchron, Ph.D.
Joyce Keen, Ph.D.
2008
Carole Kazmierski, Ph.D.
Hope Solomons, Ph.D.
Phil Lonning, Ph.D.2007
Elizabeth Lonning, Ph.D.
Deems Ortega, Ph.D.
Samuel Graham, Ph.D.
2006
David Christiansen, Ph.D.
Philip Laughlin, Ph.D.
Richard Whittlesey, Ph.D.
2005
Ann Ernst, Ph.D.
John Tedesco, Ph.D.
Arthur Benton, Ph.D.
2004
Jane Anderson, Ph.D.
Mary E. Jerkins, Ph.D.
Rick Jennings, Ph.D.
2003
Sheila Pottebaum, Ph.D.
Thomas Bartsch, Ph.D.
Ursula Delworth, Ph.D.2002
James Marchman, Ph.D.
Thomas Hannum, Ph.D.
Scott Shafer, Ph.D.
Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award Recipients
The Psychologically Healthy Workplace program is supported by the American Psychological Association and was created to recognize businesses and organizations which have demonstrated a commitment to the psychological health and the well-being of their employees. The Iowa Psychological Foundation recognizes the close interaction of psychological health and work performance in its mission: “The IPF promotes awareness and application of psychological principles to enhance the quality of life and healthy behavior for all Iowans.” The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards will be given for newly created programs that have been implemented in the year 2003. The award will be available for large and small businesses and for nonprofit organizations.
2011
Iowa Disability Determination Service Bureau
2010
Des Moines University
2009
Village Northwest Unlimited
2007
Mercy Medical Center
2005
Great River Health Systems
2004
Hospice of Central Iowa; Metal Craft, Inc.; Russell Construction
2003
Schafer Systems; Broadlawns; UI Worklife Program; Iowa Hospital Association
2002
Alliant Energy; Communications Data Service; Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa; Schafer Systems
Ann Ernst Public Service Award Recipients
2023
Elizabeth A Lonning, PsyD
2020
Suzanne Zilber, Ph.D.
2018
Dr. Robert Hutzell;
Dr. Holly Sanger
2017
Sam Graham, Ph.D.
2016
Gregorio Febbraro, Ph.D. (Posthumous)
2013
Philip R. Laughlin, Ph.D.
2012
Phyllis Hansell, Ed.D.
2010
Darshan Singh, Ed.D.;
Michael Rosmann, Ph.D.
2008
Charles McDonald, M.A.
2006
Ann Ernst, Ph.D.
Michelle Greiner Early Career Psychologist Service Award
This award honors an early career psychologist who has made significant contributions, of a psychological nature, and that have benefited our field at the local or national level. The contribution(s) may have been a single major contribution or reflect a consistent history of service to the field of Psychology and/or the community at large. Recipients of this award must be someone who is an active member and has demonstrated active participation in the Iowa Psychological Association during their career. The letter of nomination will be distributed to Executive Council. They, in turn, may select a person to receive the award, which may be given annually at the Fall (or Spring) Conference. The Elections/Honors Task Force and the Executive Director will be responsible for ordering an appropriate award.
2020
Brittany Neef, Psy.D.
2019
Benjamin Tallman, Ph.D.;
Joyce Goins-Fernandez, Ph.D.
2018
Dr. Kayla Davidson
2016
Amanda Johnson, Ph.D.;
Jennifer Kauder, Ph.D.
Karl F. Heiser APA Presidential Award for Advocacy
The Karl F. Heiser Award honors those psychologists who have given voluntarily of their time to define the discipline of psychology statutorily by state and federal laws and regulations through advocacy. Such laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, licensure, freedom of choice, Medicare, Medicaid, Workers Compensation, disability determination, mandatory mental health/substance abuse coverage, civil commitment, hospital practice, prescriptive authority, child protection and elder protection, etc. Advocacy efforts that have stopped the passage of laws inimical to psychology may also be recognized.
2016
Elizabeth Lonning, Psy.D.;
Brenda Payne, Ph.D.;
Gregorio Febbraro, Ph.D. (Posthumous)
2006
Rachel Heiss
2000
Sheila Pottebaum
1996
Dave McEchron
1995
Deems Ortega, Ph.D.
1993
Rick Jennings Ph.D.;
Craig Rypma
APA Division 31
(State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Association Affairs Psychologist of the Year)
2016
Elizabeth Lonning, Psy.D.
IPA Diversity Leadership Award
2023
Joyce Goins-Fernandez, Ph.D.