Syracuse Press Club awards the annual Philip A. Hofmann Transparency Award to those involved in making news that provide access, information, and insight to journalists covering stories important to the citizens of Central New York.
The Transparency Award was formerly known as the President’s Award for Best News Source. Winners of this award set a stellar example for news sources and public information experts across upstate New York.
Winners:
2024: Julie Halpin, Fort Drum
2024: New York Coalition for Open Government
2023: Jeff Wernick, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
2022: Deanna Ryan, Cayuga County Health Department
2021: Kathleen Paice Froio, Upstate University Hospital (also won in 2014)
2020: Lisa Dell, Onondaga County Clerk
2019: Jon Seeber, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office
2018: Dave Bullard, New York State Fair
2017: Meghan Piper, Liverpool Central School District
2016: Jack Keller, New York State Police
2015: Dennis Connors, Onondaga Historical Association
2014: Kathleen Paice, Upstate University Hospital
2013: Lt. Joe Galloway, Syracuse Fire Department
2013: Lt. Ken Heffernan, Syracuse Fire Department
2013: Kae Young, Fort Drum
2012: Sgt. Tom Connellan, Syracuse Police Department
2011: Dr. Jerry Melvin, North Syracuse School District
2010: Bob Allen, Crouse Hospital
2009: Dr. Mary Jumbelic, Onondaga County Medical Examiner
2008: Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Onondaga County Health Commissioner
2007: Ann Hyatt, Wegmans
2006: Betsy Puffer, SPCA
2005: Darryl Geddes, Upstate University Hospital
2004: Joe LaGuardia, New York State Fair
2003: Phil Politano, Rural/Metro Medical Services (also won in 1997)
2002: Carol Perry, Southside Newsstand
2001: Kevin Morrow, Syracuse University
2000: Michael Waters, Onondaga County Fire Coordinator; PR 174th FW
1999: R.D. Murphy, Fort Drum
1998: James Cosgrove, Niagara Mohawk
1997: Phil Politano, Rural/Metro Medical Services
1996: Jim Parenti, Syracuse Mayor Roy Bernardi’s Office
1995: Martin Farrell, Onondaga County Executive’s Office
1994: Sgt. Michael Kerwin, Syracuse Police Department
1993: Deputy Chief Henry Boynton, Syracuse Fire Department
1989: Bob Burtch, Niagara Mohawk Nuclear Information Services
1989: Lee Smith, Director, Thursday Morning Roundtable
1986: Trooper Bob Marquart, New York State Police