Dillinger-McCabe "Putting Children First" Leadership Award

Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award
2025 NOMINATION FORM

In January 2021, the Juvenile Welfare Board mourned the loss of long-standing Board Member, former Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Bernie McCabe. During his 20 years of service, Mr. McCabe was a cornerstone of the JWB Board and long-serving Chair of the Board’s Finance Committee. A legend in the legal community, Mr. McCabe was steadfast in his commitment to always do what is best for children, and his litmus test was always, “Is it good for the kids?” His colleague and friend, Pinellas-Pasco Public Defender Bob Dillinger, was a fierce advocate for the underserved. He made it his life’s work to fight childhood hunger and meet basic needs of children and families to prevent them from entering deeper end services. Mr. Dillinger retired from public office in December 2020, completing his 20-year term on the JWB Board, and in March 2024, he passed away, leaving behind a larger-than-life legacy.

Both men were formidable leaders on the JWB Board, and their dedication to Pinellas County children is unparalleled. While they did not always agree, they found common ground when it came to putting children first. To honor their long-standing service, JWB’s Board created a leadership award in their names to be presented annually to a well-established leader and champion for Pinellas County children and families.

Eligibility Requirements & Selection Criteria

The Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award will be presented to an individual who has consistently demonstrated:

Leadership in driving system change for Pinellas County children and families, specifically related to prevention;
Excellence in ensuring children have equitable opportunity to fulfill their potential and achieve meaningful, purposeful lives;
Advocacy and compassion for putting children first, especially those in underserved communities; and
Dedication and determination in improving the lives of Pinellas County children and their families.

Nominees Must:

Have demonstrated success and impact for Pinellas County children and/or their families based on the above criteria
Not be a current JWB Board, Community Council, or Staff member, or current member of the Dillinger-McCabe Leadership Award Selection Committee

Nominees May:

Be nominated by someone, or nominate themselves
Be a former JWB Board, Community Council, or Staff member
Be living or deceased

Selection Process & Selection Committee:

Nominations are to be submitted electronically using this online form and are due by Monday, October 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The Selection Committee will review all eligible submissions, and is comprised of one member each of the Dillinger and McCabe families, JWB Board Chair, JWB Immediate Past Board Chair, and JWB Legacy Board Member.
The recipient of the Dillinger-McCabe Leadership Award will be announced and honored at the JWB Annual KidsFirst Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at The Coliseum, 535 4th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL.
Each Nominator is asked to inform their Nominee of the event date, time, and venue, and request their attendance at the KidsFirst Awards Luncheon (if deceased, the Nominator is asked to identify a family member or friend to attend on the Nominee's behalf). All Nominees will be recognized at the KidsFirst Awards Luncheon, and the top award recipient will be named in a surprise announcement at the close of the event.
Be advised that information within the nomination form will be used in the selection process and that portions may be used in press releases, event programs, or other materials. All submissions are subject to Florida’s public records law and may be disclosed upon request in accordance with the law.

Nominee's Information

Please complete the following information for your nominee. An asterisk denotes a required field.

Nominee's Name*

First NameLast Name

Nominee’s Representative: If deceased, list name of nominee’s family member or other representative above, and respond with that person’s address, phone number, and email below.

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Email*

example@example.com

Organization/Affiliation

Position/Title

Nominator's Information

Please complete the following information for your nominee. An asterisk denotes a required field.

Nominator's Name*

First NameLast Name

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number*

Please enter a phone number.

Email*

example@example.com

Organization/Affiliation

Position/Title

Nomination Questionnaire

Please answer each question with as much detail as possible and cite examples. You have up to 500 words to respond to each question below. All supportive information must be included on this electronic form; no attachments are being accepted. An asterisk denotes a response is required.

LEADERSHIP

1) What has the nominee done that actively drove and accomplished system improvement or change, exemplified leadership qualities, achieved lasting results over time, and made a significant impact for children in Pinellas County, especially as it relates to prevention? Cite specific examples and include approximate number of years the nominee has served in leadership roles.*

0/500

EXCELLENCE

2) How has the nominee inspired excellence, and how have opportunities for children in Pinellas County improved in quality, increased in reach, and/or become more inclusive and accessible, as a result of the nominee's work and leadership? Cite specific examples.*

0/500

ADVOCACY

3) How has the nominee demonstrated advocacy and compassion in recognizing and fulfilling a need(s) of Pinellas County children, especially those living in underserved communities? Cite specific examples.*

0/500

DEDICATION & DETERMINATION

4) How has the nominee's dedication, persistence, and deliberate leadership made a difference in the lives of Pinellas County children and their families? How has he/she inspired others to follow? Cite specific examples.*

0/500

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

Include any additional supporting details or examples as to why the nominee is deserving of the Dillinger-McCabe "Putting Children First" Leadership Award that were not covered in your previous responses in this section, and limit your response to 500 words or less.

0/500