hail (someone) as (something)
To laud or compliment someone for being something. I would definitely hail Jenny as a leader in our department, especially after seeing how she handled that emergency situation.
hail someone as something
to praise someone for being something. The active members hailed him as fraternity brother of the year. Sally was hailed as an effective leader.
hail as
v. To praise someone for being something: The veterans were hailed as heroes when they marched in the parade.