Designed for legitimacy
How judging works
PSLA uses peer nominations, independent scoring rubrics, and conflict-of-interest enforcement — with zero sponsor influence and no public voting.
Credibility model
PSLA is designed to be sponsor-neutral and resistant to popularity dynamics. Winners are selected through a clear, auditable process.
Selection steps
- Peer nominations only (no self-nominations)
- Eligibility screening for role, organization, and scope
- Independent peer judging using a published rubric
- Conflict-of-interest disclosures and required recusal
- 3–5 finalists per category
- Highest composite score wins
What judges score
- Measurable public value (outcomes, metrics)
- Leadership behaviors and governance
- Complexity and constraints (budget, labor, regulatory)
- Equity and accessibility impact
- Sustainability of results
Sponsor boundary: Sponsors have zero role in nominations, scoring, finalist selection, or winner decisions.