VIRGINIA CARDINAL AWARD
The Virginia Cardinal Award is VASBO's premier recognition given to one of its members each year for exemplifying professionalism, leadership, and innovation in the field of school business management. The award winner is announced at the Spring VASBO conference. The winner also attends the Southeast Association of School Business Officials (SASBO) the following year and is recognized as the Outstanding School Business Official for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Nominations are accepted year round but close on March 1st for the current award year. If you know a member of VASBO (even those on the current Board) who has made a significant impact in local and state school business finance, please complete the Cardinal Award Nomination Form. The nomination deadline has been extended to April 1st.
As we have every year since 2009, VASBO members nominate some of their outstanding peers for recognition. The 16th Cardinal Award winner is Shannon Irvin, Assistant Superintendent of Administration for Nelson County Public Schools.
Shannon Irvin has served in the finance department for Nelson County Public Schools for more than 31 years. As the Assistant Superintendent of Administration, she is responsible for the financial operations of the division including preparing and monitoring the annual school budget, writing grants and developing RFP’s, and working with the central office to ensure federal program grants are spent appropriately and reimbursed in a timely manner. Ms. Irvin is also the designee to respond to FOIA requests, approves all fundraising activities, serves on the Division’s Safety and Wellness Committees and much more.
“Ms. Irvin is the institutional knowledge of our county, but also is someone who possesses wisdom, patience, and experience with the skill of supporting and developing those with whom she works” says Nelson County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Amanda Hester. “She is not someone who seeks or demands attention. She is a servant leader; one who quietly embraces the responsibilities of doing what is necessary to provide the best environment for students, staff, and schools to be successful.”
Shannon has been an integral part of VASBO for many years as she has served as a colleague, friend, and mentor to countless school business officials across the state. As past president of the organization, her leadership continues to serve as a model for VASBO members. For all that she has done and will continue to do for the betterment of school business, VASBO is proud to award the 16th annual Cardinal Award to Ms. Shannon Irvin, Assistant Superintendent of Administration for Nelson County Public Schools.
Shannon Irvin
2024 Cardinal Award Recipient
Congratulations Shannon on being the 2024 Cardinal Award Winner!
Cardinal Award Winners
2009 Edith Williams - Richmond County
2010 James Meyer - Spotsylvania County
2011 David Cline - Prince William County
2012 William Flaherty - Spotsylvania County
2013 Dennis Jarrett - York County
2014 Penny Hodge - Roanoke County
2015 Lisa Frye - Frederick County
2016 Joanne Wright - King and Queen County
2017 Tina Cropp - Madison County
2018 Bill Bowen - York County
2019 Krista Kelly - Manassas Park City Schools
2020 Marcia Stevens - Caroline County
2021 E. Brook Thomas - Northampton County
2022 Christina P. Berta - Hanover County
2023 Christie B. Fleming - Dinwiddie County
2024 Shannon Irvin - Nelson County