2023 AFSA Awards:

Constructive Dissent

AFSA is proud to announce this year's recipients of the association's awards for constructive dissent. Each year, AFSA recognizes and celebrates the exceptional individuals within the Foreign Service who have demonstrated a commitment to effect positive change while working within the system. Their dedication to improving the Foreign Service profession and U.S. policy has earned them this honor. These awards, unique in the federal government, highlight the responsibility of U.S. Foreign Service members to voice their perspectives and embrace innovative approaches to protect and advance our country's interests. A full award citation will be published in a future issue of AFSA News. We will honor these individuals at the annual AFSA awards ceremony in October.

W. Averell Harriman Award 

Christophe Triplett

 Embassy Amman 

During his time as a first-tour management officer in Amman, Christophe Triplett displayed immense courage by highlighting the separate and unequal treatment of locally employed staff in same-sex relationships. Mr. Triplett brought attention to the fact that the average local employee in a same-sex relationship could not access health coverage, death and funeral benefits, or education allowances for their family. Mr. Triplett was met with persistent resistance from GTM, which led to a period of tireless advocacy in which Christophe had numerous late night phone calls with Washington, meetings with Embassy leadership, and senior officials, eventually bringing the case to the Director General while in Amman. Christophe’s advocacy led to a landmark decision by the Under Secretary for Management determining that it was in the public interest for U.S. missions around the world to treat their LGBTQI+ staff the same way they treat everyone else. Mr. Triplett’s dedication and dissent had a direct impact on the lives of countless LE staff around the world and guided the institution toward a decidedly more inclusive and equitable future. 

Christian A. Herter Award 

Mark Evans

Embassy Stockholm

Since 2015, Mark has led efforts to change the State Department's approach to supporting Foreign Service dependents with disabilities, resulting in significant and positive changes in the Department's attitude and regulations. He established the Foreign Service Families with Disabilities Alliance (FSFDA) to provide support and advocate for reforms. Initially facing opposition, Mark worked persistently with Department leadership and Congress, gaining support and media attention for the issue. By late 2019, key changes were made to the Special Needs Education Allowance (SNEA) despite resistance. In 2020, Mark's efforts led to important personnel changes relating to SNEA. He continues to advocate for further reforms, contributing to a more empathetic approach to the challenges faced by Foreign Service families with disabled dependents. Mark's determined engagement resulted in systemic changes benefiting employees, families, and U.S. foreign affairs agencies as a whole.  

William R. Rivkin Award 

Alexander Douglas
Embassy Muscat

In February 2022, Alex Douglas displayed remarkable courage during a violent attack in Muscat. He administered emergency aid to his wounded colleague, drove him to the hospital, and played an important role in saving his life. However, Alex's true courage emerged in the aftermath of the attack, as he fearlessly raised difficult questions about the Embassy's security procedures and response, both publicly and privately, including with Embassy leadership, and provided actionable solutions. Alex's constructive dissent led to significant improvements in the Embassy's security measures, demonstrating his unwavering integrity and commitment to making positive changes.  

AFSA thanks all of our sponsors and partners for helping to make the Awards Program possible. Please contact AFSA Awards and Scholarships Manager Theo Horn at horn@afsa.org or (202) 719-9705 for further information.