DAMA-I Achievement Awards

Vancouver, WA, 16th September 2024 — DAMA International, a global community for data management professionals, is proud to announce the establishment of Data Management Achievement Awards. Individuals presented with awards in these awards recognizes outstanding contributions and innovations in data management and will be presented annually to those who exemplify excellence and leadership in the Data Management Profession. There will be four award categories:

1. INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – ACADEMIA

The Individual Achievement Award in Academia for Data Management recognizes excellence across several domains:

• Innovative research, marked by groundbreaking theories;
• Publication of high-impact research papers;
• Securing prestigious research grants;
• Teaching and curriculum development;
• Mentorship;
• Professional contributions, industry collaborations, community engagement;
• Peer recognition;
• Achievement through notable awards;
• Cross-disciplinary research.

2. INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - INDUSTRY

The Individual Achievement Award in Industry for Data Management recognizes excellence in innovation and implementation, demonstrated through:

• Development and execution of groundbreaking data management solutions, effective strategies;
• Contributions to patents and intellectual property;
• Measurable business impacts, leadership and collaboration;
• Industry involvement; • Effective leadership in Data Governance practice;
• Continuous professional development;
• Advocacy and mentorship;
•  Publications and speaking engagements;
• Peer recognition, influence on industry standards;
• Active community engagement are also key criteria;
• Development of groundbreaking data management solutions;
• Effective strategies with measurable business impacts;
• Demonstrated Strong leadership.

3. ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - ORGANIZATION

The Achievement Award for Organizations in Data Management recognizes excellence in several areas:

• Innovation and technology;
• Successful integration of data management across the organization;
• Significant R&D investments; business impact;
• Embedding of data governance and compliance into enterprise structure;
• Demonstrated organizational leadership and culture;
• Collaboration and community engagement, through industry partnerships;
•  Impact via thought leadership, setting industry standards;
• Receiving awards and recognitions;
• Sustainability and ethics;
• Achievement of positive social impacts.

4. JOHN ZACHMAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The John Zachman Lifetime Achievement Award in Data Management honors individuals with substantial contributions and pioneering work that has advanced the field.

Awardees demonstrate professional achievements through innovative solutions and impactful research, leadership roles, and mentorship.

They demonstrate business impact by collaborating with industry partners and transferring technology.

Their service includes earning notable awards, active community participation, and maintaining high ethical standards in data governance.

Additionally, they engage in community outreach, advocate for data management, and participate in interdisciplinary research and collaborative projects. 

Some background on John Zachman:

John Zachman is a co-founder of DAMA International and this award category recognizes his immeasurable contribution to the field of Data Management.

He is known and respected by many across the Globe for his over six decades of service to the Profession.

The Data Management Profession would not be the same without John Zachman and this is why DAMA International has created this award.

Here are extracts of what some of his colleagues have said about John Zachman:

“The first time I heard of John Zachman was at an IAIDQ conference in 2008, where he gave a key note address on the Zachman Framework. It was one of those eye-opening moments. Wow. So much knowledge and common sense packed into a structure you can actually remember…. Sure he made his name by creating a simple means of understanding a complex area of knowledge. But his real strength is his ability to connect with us all as people trying to solve common problems.”
Dr Laura Sebastian-Coleman

“I'm pretty sure everyone in data has heard of the Zachman Framework.  It is more relevant than ever, as organizations struggle to prepare themselves for digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and artificial intelligence….Thank you John Zachman for being such a great friend and role model.  Love you man!” 
Dr Tom Redman

“When I first heard John Zachman speak I was awestruck. Finally, someone could articulate the tangled mess of enterprise architecture at a time when many practitioners were struggling to develop software and address overwhelming challenges. Finally, someone had the big picture and could convey it smoothly and eloquently – on transparencies to boot…His vision, clarity, passion and excitement for his work is inspiring.  Thank you, John Zachman.”
John Ladley

Nomination and Selection Process

For further details about these awards, the nomination and selection process are found here: https://www.dama.org/cpages/achievement-awards.

These pages are active at time of publication of this media release, 16th September 2024.

Nominations are to be submitted via this URL:
https://www.dama.org/cpages/2024-award-nomination-form

The nomination form is open until 30th October 2024 23:59 UTC.

Terms and Conditions

• Repeat wins in the same category are not allowed to enable recognition amongst different participants and encourage new winners in each annual awards cycle;
• Nominators are limited to one per category;
• Winners must be available to accept the award, in June 2024, at Enterprise Data World Anaheim;
• Self nominations are not permitted.

About DAMA International

DAMA International is a not-for-profit, vendor-independent, global association of technical and business professionals dedicated to advancing the concepts and practices of information and data management. Our vision is to be an essential resource to those who engage in information and data management. We are committed to promoting the understanding, development, and practice of managing data and information as key enterprise assets to support the organization.

Contact Information

For further information about these Awards contact:

Ms Gina van Dalen
Executive Director
DAMA International
Gina.vanDalen@dama.org