SOAR Awards
The Office of Internal Audit with the support of the Audit & Ethics Committee has developed the “Success in Operations, Accountability and Reporting” (S.O.A.R.) awards program to recognize fiscal excellence within the Tribal Government. 2013 marked the first year for these awards. Awards are made annually.
Objectives
The objectives of the SOAR award program are to encourage and promote:
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Sound Fiscal Decisions
- Best Business Practices
- Transparency
Award Information
Award Levels
Chief Noah Powell Fiscal Excellence Award
The Chief Noah Powell Fiscal Excellence Award is the highest level of recognition presented to only one nominee each year that demonstrated through their best business practices and accomplishments the highest level of fiscal excellence. This award is in honor of the late Chief Noah Powell. Chief Powell was the 21st Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Prior to becoming Chief, Powell served on Tribal Council for 4 years and as Vice Chief for 4 years. “Chief Powell was a very well respected man of his community and Tribe. He believed in his people and what they could accomplish. He was a peacemaker and a tireless worker for what was true and right. All who met him even briefly were struck by his honesty, integrity and kindness”. Those who knew him and worked with him remember him as a Chief who demonstrated the utmost fiscal responsibility and transparency to his people.
Fiscal Commitments Awards
Up to three fiscal commitment awards may be presented to nominees that demonstrated through their best business practices and accomplishments a serious commitment to striving for fiscal excellence.
Fiscal Recognition Certificates
All other nominees not selected for one of the above awards may receive a fiscal recognition certificate.
