The 2024 W. Y. Smith Award recipients are Mike Anstice, Vince Bass, Karen Bussenger, Mark Cumberland, Jason Greer, Sam Hui, Trenton Jones, Amanda Stephens, Nia Stores, Josh Timity, Adam Willett, John Frost and Paris Williams. Named in honor of General William Y. Smith, who led IDA from late 1985 through late 1990, the award recognizes extraordinary individual or group contributions to IDA. The award is given to non-research exempt staff members who contribute mightily to our success.

This cross-directorate, multidisciplinary team came together to produce a polished, user-focused product under tight deadlines. The completely redesigned site replaces a legacy intranet site that had been largely unchanged for more than a decade and was approaching a hard deadline at the end of 2024.

The team explored and evaluated numerous options, before deciding that a combination of two platforms could provide a modern looking, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution. They also solicited input from across the organization and incorporated the feedback in developing a fresh, modern design. The new site is more intuitive, searchable and responsive, which makes it easier for content owners to keep their content up-to-date.

The team’s collective expertise and tireless efforts ensured IDA staff have a new, attractive and more useful intranet site that is an essential common resource of information for the entire IDA community.

It is with great pride that we recognize the tremendous accomplishments of Mike, Vince, Karen, Mark, Jason, Sam, Trenton, Amanda, Nia, Josh, Adam, John and Paris with the 2024 W. Y. Smith Award.