2026 COO of the Year Awards Program - Call for Applicants

CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2026/PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 COO of the Year™ Awards is now accepting applications. The annual program recognizes effectiveness and achievements of COOs and related roles/titles including Operations VPs, Chief Administrative Officers, and other corporate operating executives. The annual program is produced by the Operations Council, a community and platform focused on training and career development, recognition, and peer networking.

Registration is now open for the 2026 COO of the Year Awards; the program is free to both Operations Council subscribers and non-subscribers. Registrants may self-nominate, or nominate a colleague or peer via a brief, online survey form. Registrants must select from 7 categories for company size and type (Small/Medium/Enterprise/Startup/Not-For-Profit/Government/Other; Public vs. Private). Registrants submit brief, anonymous and confidential information about 2026 financial performance, work experience, volunteer or philanthropic activities, and educational background.

All registrations are then screened by an algorithm to identify finalists by category. Then a blue-chip panel of judges select the COO of the Year by category, and ultimately a National 2026 COO of the Year. Winners will be announced by January 15, 2027, and all winners will receive a frame-quality Certificate.

"Responsibilities of COOs and operating executives evolved rapidly in 2026", states Neil Brown, COO, Operations Council. "The annual COO of the Year Awards recognizes the very best and brings awareness to best practices and operations career opportunities.

To register for the 2026 COO of the Year Awards before the December 15 deadline, link here: https://operationscouncil.org/coo-awards/

ABOUT the Operations Council

Operations Council™ is a platform and community for COOs and operating professionals focused on career development and training, best practice information and resources, peer networking and recognition. Programs include a national Operations Career Center, the COO Insights™ Interview Series, and the annual COO of the Year™ Awards. Publishing includes webcasts and roundtable panels, informative articles and whitepapers. Strategic research studies include the annual Operations Outlook & Sentiment™ Study, Operations Talent™ Study, and the upcoming COO 2030™ Predictions Panel. For more information, visit www.OperationsCouncil.org, or contact COO Neil Brown at 630-710-4710.

Media Contact:
Heather Rowney
630-772-1022
[email protected]

SOURCE Operations Council