Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award

Since 1986 the Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award has recognized the outstanding achievements of the Chief Executive Officer--either the President, Superintendent-President or Chancellor who leads a California community college institution.

The Buttimer Award is a prestigious, statewide recognition established by ACCCA to honor the late Harry Buttimer, former Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District, and a leading voice in California for the modernization of operating principles and practices, and fair funding of its community colleges.  Harry was also a founding member of ACCCA, and prior to his sudden death in 1984, he had firmly established ACCCA’s advocacy presence in Sacramento for all administrators and their institutions.

This historic award not only symbolizes the history and evolution of the community college movement in California, it is an icon for the very leadership qualities Harry was known for--integrity; principle; compassion and resilience, as well as meaningful contributions to one’s colleagues, the profession, the institution and the community that the college serves.

As one who helped to establish our Association, and served as its first Legislative Commission Chair, Harry Buttimer's leadership was a driving force that made ACCCA a key stakeholder in community college finance and legislation in California, and helped lay the foundation for the array of programs and services we still provide today.

As you review all of the previous winners of the Buttimer Award, you get a sense of the history of ACCCA, and of the unique community college system of California.

Click here to see past award winners.

Perhaps there is a CEO that inspires you?  Now is the time to make sure they are recognized, and inspire other future leaders in the state.  It’s up to YOU.

To nominate, click on the link below to submit the nomination form describing the candidate who is a CEO, either sitting or within 2 years after retirement, and upload any additional letters in support of the nomination.

Additionally, examples of how the nominee has given back to the community and shown leadership at the state or national level are also helpful. 

Please submit your nomination no later than January 21, 2022. At that time, all materials will be turned over to the selection committee for their review, and the recipient of the annual award will be announced in January. The award will be presented at a ceremony held at the Annual Conference, February 23-25, 2022 in Monterey.

Nominations are now closed