National CASA Awards of Excellence

The Awards of Excellence, presented each year at the National CASA Association Annual Conference, recognize the exceptional contributions and dedication of child advocates, program directors, judges, and board members. We also honor CASA/GAL programs excelling in diversity and inclusion efforts and other promising practices. Awardees will be honored on Saturday, April 17, 2010, during the recognition banquet at the National CASA Association Annual Conference held in Atlanta, GA. 

Congratulations to our 2010 Awards of Excellence honorees! 

• 2010 G. F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year: Judy Fortlage, Clark County CASA Program, Vancouver, WA
  The G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year award recognizes an outstanding Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteer who has made significant contributions to promoting the best interests of abused and neglected children.
• 2010 Kappa Alpha Theta Program Director of the Year: Melissa Protzek, CASA of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA
  The Kappa Alpha Theta Program Director of the Year award acknowledges the noteworthy achievements of a CASA or GAL program director.
• 2010 National CASA Association Board Member of the Year: Diane Chester, CASA of Collin County, McKinney, TX
  The National CASA Association takes pride in honoring individuals exemplifying outstanding leadership and commitment to the CASA program in their role as a member of a CASA/GAL board of directors or advisory council.
• 2010 National CASA Association Judge of the Year: Judge Robert Brutinel, Yavapai County CASA Program, Camp Verde, AZ 
  National CASA honors the outstanding contribution of a judge who has furthered the best interests of children through support of the CASA or GAL program.
• 2010 National CASA Association Inclusion Award: CASA of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
  The Inclusion Award honors the accomplishments of a program that has been enriched through its inclusive practices and initiatives. The award recognizes excellence in promoting the values of inclusiveness and diversity (may include race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, and socioeconomic status) among volunteers, board members and staff that ultimately enhances the program’s ability to serve children.
• 2010 CASA/GAL Network Promising Practices Spotlight: Richland County CASA, Columbia, SC
  Promising Practices Spotlights highlight original activities, programs, projects or events that enhance the CASA/GAL program’s ability to deliver on the mission of providing court-appointed volunteer advocacy to abused and neglected children. More than one program may be highlighted each year.