NOACA launched the Walter F. Ehrnfelt, Jr. Award for Regional Contribution in 2004 to recognize an individual who has contributed significantly toward the betterment of the region by exhibiting outstanding leadership skill and accomplishment. 

The award is named for Walter F. Ehrnfelt, Jr., the late mayor of Strongsville and a former NOACA Board member, who exemplified leadership, dedication and regional cooperation throughout his career.

• An individual in the public or private sector from one of the five counties that NOACA serves; and who has shown considerable leadership of an organization or has led projects with regional significance throughout the years.

Nomination Criteria

Nominees should be recognized for exhibiting and exemplifying the following types of collaboration and cooperation in the NOACA region:

• Fostering collaboration on issues of transportation, air and water quality that will lead to greater regional cohesion and cooperation on other issues of regional concern
• Working collaboratively to remove barriers to joint development or maintenance of infrastructure
• Promoting cost sharing, purchasing coordination and consolidation of services to improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of developing and maintaining transportation and water infrastructure
• Facilitating and promoting the sharing of best practices for regional collaboration and cost sharing
• Ensuring that infrastructure investments are planned and implemented to maximize transportation benefits across all affected communities
• Promoting infrastructure investments that enhance the interrelationships of communities within the region 

2025 Nomination Application 

The 2025 Ehrnfelt awards nomination period is now closed. This year's award winner is James Rokakis, Senior Advisor for the Ohio Land Bank Association and Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

Questions? Please email the Director of Public Affairs at noaca@mpo.noaca.org.