Washington, D.C. – October 17, 2012 – The Center for Nonprofit Advancement announced today recipients of the Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2012 EXCEL Award for excellence in chief executive leadership. This competitive award spotlights up to three outstanding nonprofit leaders in the Washington metropolitan area for outstanding nonprofit chief executive leadership.

2012 Award recipients include the following nonprofit chief executives:

• Robert Goldman of Montgomery Housing Partnership
• Scott Schenkelberg of Miriam’s Kitchen
• Nina Smith of GoodWeave

The 2012 Award winners were recognized at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s 33rd Annual Celebration on Wednesday, October 17 in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's Historic Terminal A Lobby in Arlington, Va.

Also announced, the following executive directors were Honorable Mention recipients for the Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2012 EXCEL Award:

• Courtney Reeve of Greenbrier Learning Center
• Lissette Bishins of Carpenter's Shelter

"Our 2012 honorees exemplify the reason that excellence in nonprofit leadership is so important—with it, organizations and those they support, can thrive,” said Center CEO Glen O’Gilvie. “We are privileged to recognize these leaders today and look forward to sharing their innovative practices and strategies to ignite and support leadership excellence throughout our region."

This is the eighth year for this competition, and the seventh year that the Bethesda-based accounting firm Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman has sponsored the award.

Each award winner receives a $5,000 professional development account to use in their role as an organization’s chief executive. In addition, the winning organization receives a $2,000 grant to provide professional development opportunities for their staff.

Each honorable mention recipient’s organization receives a $1,000 award to support professional development programs for the honoree and/or the organization’s staff.

Awardees are selected by a committee of nonprofit leaders, business professionals, consultants and community members. Award recipients must show excellence in the areas of innovation, motivation, community building, ethical integrity and strategic leadership. The selection process includes four stages including nomination, interview, site visit and selection.

The competition is open to any chief executive of a Greater Washington-area nonprofit organization with an annual budget of $10 million and under. Board members, staff members, volunteers, clients or community members may nominate chief executives.

The award is administered by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement.

About the Center for Nonprofit Advancement

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement strengthens the capacity of nonprofit organizations throughout Greater Washington, D.C. The Center directly partners with nearly 1,000 nonprofits (our members) helping them achieve their missions through training and technical assistance programs, networking, advocacy and group buying power.