The Excellence in Cooperating Association Partnership Award recognizes an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions throughout their career to strengthen partnerships between the National Park Service and cooperating associations.
This award was named the James V. Murfin Award from 1988 to 2023. The National Park Service is shifting to more descriptive award names that clearly reflect the work awarded. We will continue to recognize the individuals who inspired or influenced these awards.
James V. Murfin
James V. Murfin served as a Servicewide Cooperating Association Coordinator and worked diligently for more than a decade to encourage excellence and innovation in the partnership between cooperating associations and NPS. Murfin’s efforts in the areas of publishing, training, and marketing enabled associations to increase the quality and selection of educational and interpretive materials. Murfin’s vision and commitment continue to influence those who work with the National Park Service and cooperating associations, providing inspiration, and ensuring success for a partnership that continues to flourish. Read a brief biography of James V. Murfin.
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- Locations: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Offices: Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers Directorate
View the recipients of the 2023 National Park Service Excellence in Cooperating Association Partnership awards, which celebrate the contributions of partnerships and cooperating associations.
- Locations: Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Offices: Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers Directorate
The 2022 James V. Murfin Award recipient, Nicki Phelps, has been a consistently positive, innovative and influential force in the partnership efforts of the National Park Service and cooperating associations for over three decades.
The James V. Murfin Award recognizes individuals who significant and lasting contributions career to improve and strengthen the 100-year partnership between the National Park Service and cooperating associations. This year, James Cook and Lyman Hafen are being recognized for their contributions.
For over 20 years, Jim Adams has significantly enhanced and supported the partnership between Discover Your Northwest and the National Park Service. His lasting contributions to help national parks and other public lands are recognized through awarding him the James V. Murfin Award.
Additional Award Recipients
|
Year |
Recipient |
Postion/Organization |
|---|---|---|
|
2019 |
Cathy Bonser |
Executive Director Redwoods |
|
2018 |
Stacy Madalena |
Eastern National |
|
2017 |
Deborah K. Piscitelli |
Harpers Ferry Historical Association |
|
2015 |
George Minnucci |
Eastern National Regional Manager |
|
2014 |
Linda Lutz-Ryan |
NPS Intermountain Region Cooperating Association Coordinator |
|
2012 |
Rosalyn Fennel |
NPS Washington Servicing Office (and Bevinetto Fellow) |
|
2010 |
Terry Maddox |
Great Smoky Mountain Association |
|
2008 |
Charley Money |
Alaska Geographic |
|
2006 |
Chesley Moroz |
Eastern National |
|
2004 |
Christina Watkins |
Graphic Designer |
|
2002 |
Greg Moore |
Golden Gate Conservancy |
Last updated: March 5, 2025