About the Francis X. Bellotti Award

The Francis X. Bellotti Award is given to a former attorney general who has served the Society of Attorneys General Emeritus (SAGE) and worked diligently to further NAAG’s vision and mission. The award is named for Francis X. Bellotti, who served three terms as Massachusetts Attorney General and was President of NAAG from 1984 to 1985.

The SAGE co-chairs are responsible for selecting and presenting this award.

Recipients of the Francis X. Bellotti Award

2025

Former Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley (2007-2015)

2024

Former Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning (2003-2015)

2023

Former Connecticut Attorney General Clarine Nardi Riddle (1989-1991)

2022

Former Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel (2007-2015)

2021

Former Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker (1997-2011)

2020

Former Virginia Attorney General Jerry Kilgore (2002-2005)

2019

Former Maine Attorney General Drew Ketterer (1995-2001)

2018

Former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery (1995-2003)

2017

Former Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch (2003-2011)

2016

Former Pennsylvania Attorney General Walter Cohen (1995)

2015

Former Florida Attorney General Richard Doran (2002-2003)

2014

Former Nevada Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa (1991-2003)

2013

Former Vermont Attorney General Jerome Diamond (1975-1981)

2012

Former New Jersey Attorney General Peter Harvey (2003-2006)

2011

Former Virginia Attorney General Mary Sue Terry (1986-1983)

2010

Former Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly (1998-2006)

2009

Former Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley (1961-1999)

2008

Former Tennessee Attorney General Knox Walkup (1997-1999)

2007

Former Tennessee Attorney General Mike Cody (1984-1988)

2006

Former Illinois Attorney General Neil F. Hartigan (1983-1991)

2005

Former New York Attorney General Robert Abrams (1979-1993)

2004

Former Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Turpen (1983-1986)

2003

Former Maine Attorney General Jim Tierney (1980-1990)

2002

Former Pennsylvania Attorney General LeRoy Zimmerman (1981-1989)

2001

Former New Hampshire Attorney General Stephen Merrill (1985-1989)