In 1985, the Board of Governors of Healthcare Trustees of New York State established the Trustee Leadership Award to recognize trustees providing exemplary leadership. The Trustee Leadership Award is presented annually to a nominated trustee demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities. The winner is recognized during the Award Dinner at the Trustee Annual Conference in September at the The Sagamore on Lake George.

HTNYS created the Trustees Advocacy Award in 2007 to recognize and encourage trustee engagement in advocacy on behalf of the hospital, health system, or health care organization. The winner is recognized during the Award Dinner at the Trustee Annual Conference in September at the The Sagamore on Lake George.