COO Awards
The annual COO of the Year Awards™ program recognizes effectiveness and results of Chief Operating Officers (COOs), and related roles/titles (Vice Presidents of Operations, and Chief Administrative Officers). Each year, winners are determined via a screening algorithm*, and a panel of blue-chip judges select a “Winner” for each of 7 categories, along with Private and Public sub-categories (up to 14 total winners selected). Importantly, a 2026 National COO of the Year is also selected from the category winners.
Registration is free for both Operations Council subscribers and non-subscribers. Registrants may self-nominate, or nominate a colleague or peer via a brief online application form (below). Depending on quantity of entrants, there will be 2026 COO of the Year award for each category below.
Winners of the 2026 COO of the Year Awards will be notified via email, and announced publicly. All winners will receive a frame-quality COO of the Year Awards Certificate, and be featured in a national news announcement. View 2025 winners here. View 2024 winners here. View 2023 winners here.
COO of the Year Categories:
- Small Business (<100 employees; both Public and Private categories)
- Medium Business (<1,000 employees; both Public and Private categories)
- Enterprise (>1,000 employees; both Public and Private categories)
- Startup (<5 years old; both Public and Private categories)
- Not-For-Profit
- Government
- Other (list below)
*Screening algorithm criteria includes financial performance/results, work experience, education, and volunteerism/charity/cause/philanthropic activities.
Nomination Form
Applications and registration for the 2026 COO of the Year Awards will begin in October 1st, 2026. Note that all information submitted is strictly anonymous and confidential. Questions? Please use the Contact Form.