NASCA 20 Under 40 Awards

NASCA is proud to celebrate the next generation of leaders in state government with the NASCA 20 Under 40 Awards.

This prestigious program recognizes 20 outstanding individuals from across the country for their exceptional contributions to state government.

Please note that nominations can be submitted by Governors and CAOs for State Member nominees, and C-Suite Level Executives for Corporate Partner nominees. The Awards Ceremony will take place at the 2026 Annual Leadership Conference.

See our News page to access the press releases for all 2025 Award winners.

2026 Nominations Open: February 14, 2026

Submission deadline: April1, 2026.

    • Nominees do not have to be members of NASCA.

    • Individuals holding positions in state government may be nominated by Governors or CAOs.

    • Individuals holding private sector positions can be nominated by C-Suite level executives.

    • All winners must attend the awards ceremony at the 2026 Annual Leadership Conference.

  • We will provide a link to submit your nomination on February 14, 2026.

2025 Recipients

  • Jared Ambrosier

    Michigan

    Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Technology, Management and Budget

  • Steven Booth

    Illinois

    Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Central Management Services

  • Hallie Brown

    New Mexico

    Deputy Director of the Infrastructure Planning and Development Division, Department of Finance and Administration

  • Brittany Clark

    Illinois

    Statewide Recruitment Manager, Illinois Department of Central Management Services

  • Autumn Turner Cole

    Georgia

    Assistant Commissioner of Government Affairs and General Counsel, Department of Administrative Services

  • Kristine Day

    South Dakota

    Deputy State Engineer

  • Jennifer Elkins

    Arkansas

    Legal Counsel, Office of Personnel Management

  • Diana Maas

    Wisconsin

    Assistant Deputy Secretary, Department of Administration

  • Patrick Nolan

    Illinois

    Chief of Staff, Department of Central Management Services

  • Trey Norris

    Tennessee

    Executive Director of Administration, Department of General Services

  • Jamie Rodgers

    Accenture

    Strategist, Health & Public Service

  • Kelly Rogers

    Accenture

    Chief of Staff, Global Health and Public Service

  • John Schrader

    Florida

    Chief of Staff, Department of Management Services

  • Heather Velasquez

    Colorado

    Deputy Director of Administration, Department of Personnel & Administration

  • Samantha Willis

    West Virginia

    Director and General Counsel, State Purchasing Division

  • Courtney Iversen

    National Association of State Procurement Officials

    Deputy Chief Strategy Officer

  • Daniel Kruger

    National Association of State Procurement Officials

    Chief Strategy Officer

  • Marc Held

    Ernst & Young

    Managing Director

  • Coulter Minix

    Kentucky

    Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office

  • Fagan Harris

    Maryland

    Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office