The National School Boards Association has honored Shelby County Board of Education Chairman David Pickler with its Distinguished Service Award for an unprecedented third time. Only ten Board members each year are selected by the NSBA from America's 95,000 school board members. Pickler was selected for his outstanding commitment to public education as well as his proven school board leadership and community service. Pickler was previously honored by the NSBA in 2001 and 2005.

NSBA President C.H. Savoie described Pickler's service as a local Board Chairman, State Association President, and NSBA Executive Committee member by stating that "David Pickler has made a significant contribution to public education in his district, his state, and his nation. He has helped increase respect for school boards across America. By his excellent work as an educational leader, he has helped prepare students to become successful, contributing members of a rapidly changing global society."

David Pickler was elected to the Shelby County Board of Education in 1998 and has served as Board Chairman for the past 10 years. He is currently serving as President of the Tennessee School Boards Association. Pickler is also the Southern Region Director for the National School Boards Association, a member of the NSBA Executive Committee and Chairman of the NSBA National Affiliate Committee. Pickler is President and Chief Executive Officer of Pickler Wealth Advisors and Senior Partner of the Pickler Law Firm.