Arizona Industry Liaison Group
JAG Lifetime Achievement Award
Honoring exceptional practitioners whose careers have strengthened employment compliance, advanced equal employment opportunity, and supported inclusive workplaces.
About the award
Recognizing a lasting contribution to the profession
The John A. Garza (JAG) Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Arizona Industry Liaison Group (AZilg), honors an exceptional practitioner whose career reflects significant and sustained contributions to the Human Resources profession.
The award celebrates leaders whose work has strengthened employment compliance, advanced equal employment opportunity, and supported inclusive workplaces—core commitments reflected in AZilg’s mission and values.
Award namesake
Eligibility requirements
Nominees should demonstrate a career of leadership and influence
- Have a distinguished career marked by leadership in HR or EEO that helped shape the direction of the field.
- Be recognized by peers as a trusted advisor, mentor, or champion of workplace nondiscrimination.
- Have contributed to policy or program development that strengthened equal opportunity or compliance practices.
- Demonstrate a legacy of developing future HR or EEO leaders through mentorship, coaching, or community engagement.
- Have a body of work that continues to influence organizations, practitioners, or the HR and EEO profession.
The legacy behind the award
Honoring John A. Garza
The award was established in honor of John A. Garza, President of JAG Specialties, LLC, and recognizes his more than 38 years of dedication to equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity.
A member of AZilg since 1975, when the organization was known as the Arizona Affirmative Action Association or Quad A, Mr. Garza served in numerous leadership roles including Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Past President.
2013 Honoree and 1st Annual Award Recipient
John A. Garza · JAG Specialties, LLC
Continue the legacy
Recognize a leader who has shaped the profession
Applications must be received by July 30, 2026. Self-nominations are welcome.