The Foreign Service Journal, December 2019

64 DECEMBER 2019 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS procedures while serving in Tijuana; and Timmy Davis , for his courage and convic- tion in presenting the case for the continued opera- tion of Consulate General Basrah, leading up to and following the suspension of operations. “Dissent is integral to the ethos of our government, and it should be celebrated,” Ms. Boulos said on receiving her award. extraordinary contributions to effectiveness, profession- alism and morale. The Mark Palmer Award for the Advancement of Democracy is open to all Foreign Service members from any of the foreign affairs agencies, especially early- to mid-career level, who promoted American policies focused on advanc- ing democracy, freedom and governance through bold, exemplary, imaginative and effective efforts during one or more assignments. This year there were two winners: Nora Brito , for her outstanding efforts promot- ing democracy in Venezuela; and Christopher Gooch, a forceful advocate for expand- ing democracy, freedom and good governance during assignments in Iraq and Nepal. “This award is not about individual achievement,” Mr. Gooch said during his acceptance speech. “It is about recognizing the impor- tance of advancing democ- racy, freedom and good governance, ideals that are important to the department, to our country’s long-term success and to the well-being of many people I worked with in Nepal and Iraq.” USAID FSO Robert Works was runner-up. The Nelson B. Delavan Award recognizes the work of a Foreign Service office management specialist who has made a significant contribution in office or post effectiveness and morale beyond the framework of his or her job responsibilities. Katherine Elizabeth Koehler is this year’s recipi- ent of the Delavan Award for her role in coordinating multifaceted efforts to sup- port Ethiopia’s democratic reforms. Nora Brito (left) and Christopher Gooch, recipients of the Mark Palmer Award for the Advancement of Democracy, at the Oct. 16 awards ceremony. Michelle Ross (right), recipient of the M. Juanita Guess Award for Community Liaison Officers, and Jonette Vaughan, a runner-up for the award, at the Oct. 16 awards ceremony. AFSA/JOAQUINSOSA AFSA/JOAQUINSOSA AFSA State Department VP Tom Yazdgerdi (left) presents Lawrence Fields with the AFSA Post Representative of the Year Award at the awards ceremony Oct. 16. AFSA/JOAQUINSOSA The W. Averell Harriman Award for an entry-level officer went to Moises Men- doza for his extraordinary efforts to make Consulate General Matamoros safer by ensuring his colleagues had training in dealing with medi- cal emergencies. Exemplary Performance AFSA also offers five awards in recognition of exemplary performance and