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. The award was inaugurated in 1988 and is named for the servicewide cooperating association coordinator who worked diligently for more than a decade to encourage excellence and innovation to strengthen this historic partnership. Recipients embody the NPS mission:
“The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world."
Nicki Phelps
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
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. Not only did her award-winning work at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy inspire and motivate others, but she has been a highly respected and engaging leader, speaker, trainer, panelist, advisor, mentor and volunteer for the larger network of cooperating associations through the Public Lands Alliance and in other forums. Her contributions are immense and lasting and full of her amazing enthusiasm and energy.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service