[1] In 1967, she graduated with a master's degree in social work from Portland State University.

McCoy was elected to the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners in 1978, resigning in 1984 to unsuccessfully run for the Portland City Council.

[1] She successfully ran for county chair in 1986, serving until her death from thyroid cancer on April 11, 1993.

The award is given to an individual who has exemplified the life of the late Multnomah County Chair Gladys McCoy by making major contributions to civil rights, human rights, affirmative action, children and youth, family issues, community, neighborhood, local political party, local government, environmental issues, and/or education.

Winners' names appear on permanent public display in the Multnomah County Boardroom.