ORDER of HERMES
The Order of Hermes is an honorary award from the Information Professionals Association (IPA) to recognize individuals for exceptional service and contributions in the field of cognitive security. The Order of Hermes can be awarded to individuals from military, government, civilian, or private sector positions (including academia, international, or non-governmental organizations).
There are three Order of Hermes recognition levels: Gold, Silver, and Rising Star.
The Silver Order of Hermes recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character; displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence; contributed to bettering cognitive security knowledge and practice; and contributed to the promotion of cognitive security in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient’s seniors, subordinates and peers alike.
The Gold Order of Hermes is reserved for an elite few whose long-term dedication to the field of cognitive security has embodied an unmatched spirit, dignity, commitment, and selfless service. It recognizes the select few who stand above their colleagues and peers of the profession in terms of conspicuous, lifetime service for or on behalf of their Nation.
The Gold Order is the more distinguished of the two levels of the Order of Hermes. A recipient of the Silver Order of Hermes can be nominated for and receive a Gold Order of Hermes at a later date; however, a Gold Order of Hermes recipient is not eligible to receive a Silver Award.
A third level, The Rising Star Award, is established to recognize the next generation of thought and operational leaders in the cognitive security field. For example, nominations for this award may be the result of, but are not limited to, publications that contribute to the greater body of knowledge, events or actions of operational significance, or recognition for leadership development in the cognitive space.
Nominations for all three Order of Hermes awards will be accepted on a rolling basis from any member in good standing of the Information Professionals Association (IPA). Self-nominations will not be accepted. Those nominated need not be IPA members, but must meet the criteria for selection below. Nominees can be selected from military, government civilian or private sector positions (including academia, international or non-governmental organization).
Members are limited to one (1) nomination annually to maintain a high caliber of nominations.
Members of the IPA Board of Directors or Board of Advisors may nominate someone for an Order of Hermes award using the criteria and process below.
Nominations will be reviewed and adjudicated within 60 days of submission. Award announcements will be made first to the nominator and winner, then posted on the IPA website. When appropriate, the Board of Advisors may facilitate award presentations at IPA-sponsored events, such as Phoenix Challenge.
Nominations for currently serving military members must be endorsed by the first O-6 in the chain of command.
In general, nominees for the Order of Hermes should demonstrate significant and/or long-lasting commitment and service to the cognitive security community. They should demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, moral character, ethical conduct, professional competence, and dedication to duty.
The Rising Star Award is established to recognize the next generation of thought, professional and operational leaders for the cognitive security field. Recipients of this award should have: shaped the intellectual discussion of the profession through written work; advanced the operational capabilities of the profession; or demonstrated innovative solutions in support of cognitive security. The purpose of this award is to recognize the emerging talent in cognitive security and encourage intellectual and professional contributions.
Award of the Silver Order of Hermes will go to those individuals who have demonstrated a lasting contribution and commitment to the field of cognitive security. The Silver Order of Hermes is not intended to be an “end-of-tour” award, to supplant military or civilian achievement awards, or to recognize individuals for “doing their jobs.” This award recognizes those individuals who, as information professionals, go above and beyond the call of duty to stand out in the eyes of the recipient’s seniors, subordinates and peers alike.
Award of the Gold Order of Hermes is reserved for those professionals whose cumulative body of work is uniquely exceptional, and whose contributions have shaped and advanced the cognitive security profession or body of knowledge. The Gold Order of Hermes is a lifetime achievement recognition award presented to the elite few whose long-term dedication to cognitive security has embodied an unmatched spirit, dignity, commitment, and selfless service.
A nomination package shall include at a minimum:
Nominations for the Order of Hermes Rising Star Award and the Silver Order of Hermes Award will be adjudicated by the Board of Directors at the next regularly-scheduled board meeting following receipt of the complete nomination packet. Notification of the board’s decision will be made within one week of the board meeting.
Nominations for the Gold Order of Hermes Award will be adjudicated by the Board of Advisors following receipt of the complete nomination packet. Because the Board of Advisors does not meet on a recurring, regularly scheduled basis, adjudication will be conducted virtually and deliberation meetings will be conducted as necessary. Notification of the Board of Advisors’ decision will be made within two weeks to coordinate appropriate presentation events.
There is no minimum or maximum number of nominees that can be selected annually. Voting members will provide a written evaluation for each nominee, which will be archived by the IPA.
All decisions of the Board of Directors or the Board of Advisors are final. Award announcements will be made first to the winner and nominator, then made public – either on the IPA website or at an IPA-sponsored event followed by website announcement.
