2026 Inform USA Award Recipients

Posted By: Sarah Pottelberg Inform USA Awards,

Congratulations to the individuals and organizations that won awards for their hard work, innovation, and achievements in community navigation!

Lifetime Achievement: David Jobe

David’s career is a masterclass in dedication to the 211 and I&R network. Those who have had the privilege of working alongside him know him not just as a skilled executive, but as a true mentor—someone who quietly invests in the growth of others, lifts up new leaders, and ensures that our network is always moving forward.

His leadership at the national level was also transformative. From 2021 to 2023, David served as our Board President during a time of immense organizational change. David led us with a steady hand, a strategic mind, and a deeply compassionate heart. He navigated challenges with grace, always keeping our mission—and the people we serve—at the very center of every decision.


Person of the Year 

This award is given to individuals who hold one of our three core certification types that exemplify community resource specialist excellence!

Community Resource Specialist of the Year:
Evelyn Ignacio

As one of the longest-serving Community Resource Specialists at 211 LA, (spanning more than four decades of continuous service in Community Navigation) she brings institutional knowledge and stability that benefit the entire organization. Evelyn holds both the CRS and the CRS- A/D certifications and has maintained one of the strongest performance records in the organization.

Community Resource Specialist - Aging/Disabilities of the Year: Jose Benitez

Jose approaches every interaction with integrity and care, ensuring that each caller feels genuinely heard and supported. In addition to his outstanding work as a Call Resource Specialist, Jose consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of his role, contributing to the organization in meaningful, far‑reaching ways. His dedication extends far past direct client interactions; he plays a critical role in strengthening systems, supporting colleagues, and elevating the overall quality of our community navigation services.



Debbie Petty Memorial Community Resource Specialist - Database Curator of the Year:
Teresa Lavinder Zeigler

Sponsored and presented by Wellsky

Her passion and dedication to connecting state residents with critical resources is deeply personal, rooted in her own caregiving journey. In every interaction, Teresa demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and never fails to add a kind and encouraging touch to her communication. She is highly skilled and knowledgeable as a Community Resource Specialist and holds both the CRS–DC and CRS–A/D certifications.


Networker of the Year

Tracy Armstrong

Tracy has cultivated meaningful collaborations with community organizations, businesses, and advocacy groups to create responsive networks of support. Her career exemplifies the spirit of the Inform USA Networker of the Year Award. Her sustained excellence, leadership in elder justice, dedication to client-centered service delivery, and impact on regional and statewide systems have improved the lives of countless older adults and families. 


Evelyn Ignacio

Jose Benitez

Tracy Lavinder Zeigler

Tracy Armstrong

Innovation Award Winners

Whether through a simple yet effective adjustment or the execution of a bold, complex strategy, this award celebrates innovations that make a meaningful difference.

211 San Diego

In October 2025, a federal government shutdown caused an immediate disruption to SNAP (CalFresh) benefits, creating a crisis for thousands of San Diegans. 211 San Diego’s real-time Food Need and Resource Analysis Dashboard uses live data from 211 San Diego and the Community Information Exchange (CIE) to map shifting food needs at a granular, neighborhood level. This enabled the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank to proactively deploy resources and establish pop-up distribution sites in high-need areas by reinforcing their existing neighbourhood data and monitoring other areas that weren't on their initial radar. 

Submission Details: 211 San Diego

Supporting Doc: Sample Tableau Dashboard

Indiana 211 

A partnership with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) embedded a targeted education-level trigger question in Indiana 211's needs assessment, enabling consent-based data sharing through a secure portal. It allows DWD to proactively engage individuals who may benefit from adult education services. Indiana 211 significantly increased referrals, eliminated unmet needs for adult education, and improved employment-related outcomes across multiple service categories.

Submission Details: Indiana 211

211 at United Way of Central Maryland

The Access to Counsel in Evictions Coordinated Intake System (ACE-CIS) is a statewide intake system that connects tenants facing eviction to legal support while also addressing their broader housing needs. Created in alignment with Maryland’s Access to Counsel legislation, the program has evolved into a structured and scalable model supported by a multi-phase training program, continuous legal education, and multiple intake pathways. This integrated approach has strengthened statewide consistency, improved service quality, and increased tenants’ ability to access legal assistance and essential resources during housing instability.

Submission Details: 211 at United Way of Central Maryland

Supporting Doc: ACE Flyer