Alumnus Receives Governmental Research Association Lifetime Achievement Award
Dominic M. Calabro (MSW' 79) was recently awarded the Frederick P. Greenberg Lifetime Achievement Award from the Governmental Research Association, a 112-year-old national, nonpartisan, nonprofit association of organizations and individuals engaged in public policy, governmental, and civic research. The organization's mission is to improve governmental effectiveness, accountability and efficiency through independent research.
The lifetime achievement award is the association's highest honor. Recipients are selected by association officers and trustees based on a candidate's demonstrated significant contributions to governmental research, professional service, leadership, and mentoring, along with impactful work on public policy and governmental operations. The award was presented on July 21, 2026, at the GRA Conference in Chicago. Calabro and Florida TaxWatch are the first recipients from Florida to receive this honor.
Calabro has served as the president and chief executive officer of Florida TaxWatch since 1980. Retiring in 2026, Calabro has served as the "eyes and ears" of all Florida's taxpayers.
"I've been fortunate to serve with a great group of volunteers and highly committed staff that is unparalleled. I've also been honored to work with amazing leaders and collaborators to not only serve the taxpayers of Florida but help transform public policy to improve the quality of life and livelihood of all Floridians," shared Calabro.
He added, "Among these appreciated collaborators have been so many valued colleagues and connections through Florida State University and the College of Social Work. Through unrelenting dedication and working together, we continue to see the positive changes and impact benefiting our communities."
Florida TaxWatch is an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog working to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Under Calabro's leadership, Florida TaxWatch earned and maintained the respect of Florida's most highly regarded and influential leaders, while also earning credibility and respect among Florida's citizens.
He was also honored in 2014 by the College of Social Work with the Distinguished Alumni in Social Policy and Administration Award for his service to the social work profession in policymaking at the state and national levels. In 2025, the Florida Press Association awarded Calabro the Lifetime Membership Award, its highest honor, making it only the second time the award had been presented in the association's 147-year history. This year, the Florida Juvenile Justice Association and the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services awarded Calabro their first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award for significantly improving the lives of children and families in challenging circumstances.