The KASA board of directors presents the award annually to an education leader who reflects a spirit of innovation and cutting edge leadership while bringing higher levels of success and learning to all children.
The award is named in honor of Mr. William T. Nallia, a KASA executive director from 1975-1986. Under his leadership, the organization experienced tremendous growth and remained at the forefront of innovation in public education in Kentucky.
| Year |
Recipient |
| 2022 |
Ed Massey, State Representative |
| 2021 |
Julian Tackett, KHSAA |
| 2020 |
Kevin Brown, KY Department of Education |
| 2019 |
KY Center for School Safety (Jon Akers) |
| 2018 |
Robert "Beau" Barnes, Teachers' Retirement System
|
| 2017 |
David Couch, KY Department of Education |
| 2016 |
Bob Chenoweth, Dean, KY's School Law Practitioners
Roger Marcum, Chairman, KY Board of Education
|
| 2015 |
Dr. Justin Bathon, Ph.D., University of KY
Stu Silberman, Prichard Committee |
| 2014 |
Cindy Heine, Prichard Committee |
| 2013 |
Mike Carr, EPSB |
| 2012 |
Phil Rogers, EPSB |
| 2011 |
Julia Roberts for the Gatton Academy |
| 2010 |
Dr. Christopher Wagner, Western Kentucky University
Ms. Rhonda Sims, KY Department of Education |
| 2009 |
Dr. Angela Wilkins
Dr. Bob Wagoner
|
| 2008 |
Dr. Jack Rose, Murray State University |
| 2007 |
Steve Kimberling |
| 2006 |
Dr. Bill Braden, KCA
|
|
Gene Wilhoit, Former Commissioner of Education |
| 2005 |
Dr. Roland C. Haun, KASS |
|
Dr. David Keller, KSBA
|
| 2004 |
Plato Learning |
| 2003 |
Dr. Blake Haselton |
| 2002 |
Helen Mountjoy |
| 2001 |
Tom Willis |
| 2000 |
Kevin Noland |
| 1999 |
Senator David Karem |
| 1998 |
Joseph W. Kelly |
| 1997 |
Dr. Lois Adams-Rodgers |
| 1996 |
Forward in the Fifth |
| 1995 |
The Partnership for KY School Reform |
| 1994 |
Senator Ed Ford |
| 1993 |
W.A. Franklin |
| 1992 |
JCPS Gheens Academy |
| 1991 |
Dr. John Brock |
| 1990 |
O. Leonard Press |
| 1989 |
Honorable Bert T. Combs |
| 1988 |
Honorable William H. Natcher |
| 1987 |
The Prichard Committee |