Whether you volunteer as an MQA Examiner, Overseer, or Judge, you understand the commitment and dedication that all of our volunteers devote to the award process and to the enhancement of quality within organizations throughout the state.  Because the Excellence in Missouri Foundation's volunteers devote countless hours and immeasurable efforts, the EIMF Board of Directors and staff felt these outstanding individuals deserve a special recognition.

Although there was quick consensus among the EIMF staff in determining the seven award criteria; there was some disagreement over the appropriateness of the award's name. As a 'placeholder' we used the " Everyday Hero Award."  That name just did not capture the essence of what the award truly recognized.  After much discussion and some historical research about how other prestigious awards are named, and we quickly discovered a trend or pattern. For example, there's the Stanley Cup (National Hockey League), the Lombardi Trophy (NFL Super Bowl Championship), the Cy Young Award (Major League Baseball Pitcher), and the Heisman Trophy (outstanding College Football Player). Researching each of these four men; Lord Stanley of Preston, Vincent Lombardi, Denton True Young, and John Heisman, there were two commonalities.  Not one of them was considered to be the very best athlete in their sport; but they were all recognized because they individually made significant, long-term advancements to their respective sports.  

Coupling this information with the seven award criteria it quickly became evident that there was one name that truly epitomized quality, and was widely respected as a pioneer in the state for the advancement of quality and the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria.   Someone that has also made significant, long-term advancements. Additionally, this person has volunteered incalculable hours in assisting organizations with their quality initiatives.  Likewise, MQA volunteers continue to learn from his teaching and coaching.  With great honor, the Excellence in Missouri Foundation’s MQA volunteer award was designated as the “James Williamson Award For Achievement in Quality.”

James (Jim) Williamson has helped countless Missouri organizations from all business sectors in a variety of areas relevant to performance excellence. For over 18 years, Jim has coached organizations in process mapping, strategic planning, benchmarking, self-assessment, effective use of teams--and the list goes on and on. Moreover, Jim has participated in more than 85 organizational assessments! Jim was a member of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board of Examiners for four years.  While serving on the Board, he led and participated in the development of two case studies in the service sector, one in the education sector, and one in manufacturing. He served six years as a member of the Missouri Quality Award Board of Examiners and is now a member of the Board of Overseers, and the Board of Directors.  On both Examiner Boards, he was a Senior Examiner. Jim is currently Vice President for the Excellence in Missouri Foundation.    

Prior to joining the Foundation, he was a Senior Consultant in Continuous Quality Improvement for Boeing Aircraft and Missiles Company.  He has been involved in quality improvement efforts, including the development of tools and techniques for implementing total quality, since 1989.  Through these activities he has evaluated manufacturing, service, health care, education and public sector organizations. He served as a corporate examiner within McDonnell Douglas for their annual self-assessment using the Baldrige criteria.  Mr. Williamson is also a team member of the U.S. Navy’s Best Manufacturing Program.

Prior to his involvement in total quality, Mr. Williamson served several years as Program Manager for new applications within the Harpoon Weapon System Program for McDonnell Douglas.  Two new major applications were designed, developed, and fielded under his leadership.

Mr. Williamson served 25 years in the U.S. Navy as a line officer with a subspecialty in Weapon Systems Acquisition.  Prior to his retirement he was responsible for the development and deployment of the Tomahawk and Harpoon Weapon Systems on board surface ships. Mr. Williamson is a member of the American Society for Quality, Association for Quality and Participation, St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association, and American Management Association.   He holds an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School and a B.S. degree in Agriculture from the University of Illinois.

EIMF honors selected MQA volunteers with the “Williamson Award for Achievement in Quality” at the annual Excellence in Missouri Conference in November.  The award recognizes MQA volunteers who have made a significant contribution in aiding organizations to advance in their journey to performance excellence. Each year, from a pool of nominations submitted by MQA volunteers, this award will recognize one individual that is deserving of special recognition.  

Nomination Information

In accordance with the following criteria, potential recipients of the “Williamson Award for Achievement in Quality" should:

1. be actively involved in the MQA process;
2. have been aiding organization(s) in the pursuit of performance excellence for at least three (3) years;
3. be instrumental in helping their own organizations improve their performance;
4. be endorsed by the senior leaders of their organization;
5. encourage, inspire, and assist others in the pursuit of performance excellence;
6. be a role model, problem-solver, and motivator for others; and
7. not be a previous recipient of the Governor’s Quality Leadership Award (GQLA).

Individuals are nominated through a written description of his/her achievements relative to the Award criteria.  A panel of judges, comprised of the MQA Board of Overseers will select up to three award recipients per year.

Click here to nominate a Missouri Quality Award volunteer for the “Williamson Award for Achievement in Quality." Deadline for nominations is August 24, 2009. If you need further information, please contact us.

Recipients of the Williamson Award for Achievement in Quality

2006--The first "Williamson Award for Achievement in Quality" was awarded to Sue Fletcher of Lake Regional Hospital.  Ms. Fletcher was chosen for her outstanding contributions as a volunteer in the pursuit of performance improvement, for her dedication to the principles of total quality, and for her commitment to the core values of the Missouri Quality Award program.

2007--Don Eisinger of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education was awarded the "Williamson Award for Achievement in Quality" in 2007. Don has served as a Missouri Quality Award Examiner, Senior Examiner, Team Leader and Mentor for several years. Don exemplifies performance excellence in everything he does.

2008--Chris Bouchard of the University of Missouri's Small Business Development Centers was awarded the 2008 "Williamson Award for Achievement in Quality." Since 1997, Chris has served as an Missouri Quality Award Examiner, Senior Examiner, Mentor and Overseer. Chris has helped many Examiners gain a better understanding of the criteria during his service as a volunteer. Congratulations, Chris!