ERS Hall of Fame

ERS annually recognizes outstanding employees, current and past, who have made a lasting impact on the mission of ERS, and who have served as role models for others.

Employees of this stature have made extraordinary career accomplishments and lasting contributions in their field in support of ERS research mission. They have paved the way for further analysis and have significantly influenced research on trends and emerging issues in agriculture, food, the environment, and rural America to inform and enhance public and private decision making.

Eligibility

To be eligible for nomination, one must be retired or eligible for retirement from ERS. Nominations may be submitted for individuals who have formally served at ERS and retired or left the Agency within the past ten years, with a focus on recognizing the breadth and impact of their contribution during their tenure.

Current employees may be nominated; however, they must be retirement eligible and have made substantial contributions to the Agency, reflecting a significant body of work and commitment to ERS and advancing the mission of the agency. Consideration will be given to individuals who have also served in program leadership and executive roles, based on the impact and significance of their contributions, as well as their scientific stature within the ERS community. Employees who are deceased may be nominated and recognized posthumously.

Nomination and Selection Procedures

Any ERS employee or member of the public may submit a nomination for the ERS Hall of Fame. For information on how to do so, please email ERSRecognitionProgram@usda.gov. 

Hall of Fame Inductees are evaluated on the following criteria: 

  • Major impact on agricultural economic research or agricultural markets—by providing research and analysis that helps to solve a significant agricultural, food environment or rural problem or by providing outstanding leadership and programmatic support that significantly advanced agricultural economic research
  • Accomplishments that continue to be recognized by the agricultural economics research community and public policy decision makers
  • Character and record of achievement worthy of emulation by less experienced agricultural economists or public policy decision makers
  • National or international recognition by peers in the economic community and public policy realms
Additionally, nominations may address continued professional service in post-retirement professional activities, including serving as a role model or mentor for others.