The Gailey Award
The Gailey Award is the highest service honor presented by the AALA Board of Directors. It is awarded annually to a member who exemplifies leadership, steady commitment, and generous service to the organization.
The award celebrates those who consistently show up, do the work, and help strengthen AALA’s foundation through their values-driven contributions.
History
The Gailey Award was conceived in 2022 as a way to honor the legacy of longtime AAR/AALA president Gail Hochman, who led the organization for more than two decades. Inspired by her steadfast leadership, the award recognizes members whose contributions mirror the spirit Gail brought to AALA—reliable, humble, and lasting.
The award has since become an annual tradition celebrating the people who hold the organization together through service and care.
Gailey Award Honorees
Sarah Lazin
Aevitas Creative Management
Recipient of the 2025 Gailey Award in recognition of her decade-long stewardship of The Pitch, the AAR’s original print member newsletter. Sarah’s tireless editorial work and enduring generosity helped shape the foundation of AALA’s communications and community, exemplifying the leadership and commitment the Gailey honors.
Ginger Clark
Ginger Clark Literary
Recipient of the 2024 Gailey Award in recognition of her exceptional service, as a longtime board member, treasurer, and Contracts committee chair since 2013. A steadfast advocate for agents and authors alike, Ginger’s clarity, integrity, and willingness to lead by example embody the spirit of commitment the Gailey Award was created to honor.
Vicky Bijur
Vicky Bijur Literary Agency
Recipient of the 2023 Gailey Award in recognition of her decades of leadership, integrity, and service to the AALA community. A former president of the AAR and longtime chair of the Ethics Committee, Vicky has safeguarded the Association’s Canon of Ethics and helped shape its moral foundation. Her quiet dedication and steadfast guidance exemplify the spirit of professionalism and generosity that the Gailey honors.
Gail Hochman
Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents
Recipient of the inaugural 2022 Gailey Award, created in her honor to recognize her extraordinary two decades of leadership and dedication as AALA president. Gail’s vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to service laid the foundation for the Association’s culture and values, inspiring the creation of the Gailey to celebrate members who follow in her example.