Government Operations Champion Award

The Government Operations Champion Award shall be awarded to an individual that champions the critical role of efficient, effective, equitable operations and demonstrates a passion that good government operations and programs will enhance the customer and citizen experience.

Nominations Open: The 2025 award nomination period is now open.

Submission deadline is August 1, 2025.

    • Nominees must currently be in state government or have worked in state government in the last 12 months.

    • Nominees may be from any state government agency (state CAOs are not eligible)

    • All senior leaders and department staff of the chief administrator are eligible to nominate a champion.

    • Nominees must be from a state that is a current member of NASCA.

    • Selection of the Operations Champion honoree is based on two major criteria:

      • Accomplishments in their state in the field of government operations

      • Service and leadership in the field of government operations during their career

    • All nominations must be submitted via the Typeform link under “How to Nominate” below

    • All nomination packets must be formatted in Arial font, size 11, with single spacing and 1-inch margins on all sides.

    • Nomination packets must not exceed four pages, excluding this title page.

    • In addition to this submission packet, the Typeform survey will prompt you to upload:

      • A recent headshot of the nominee and a short biography (maximum 100 words).

      • Optional supporting materials such as visuals, images, examples, etc.

  • Step 1: Download and complete this Nomination Template.

    Step 2: Submit your completed Nomination Form along with a headshot and 100-word bio of nominee using this link.

    Please note: Only complete submissions made through the link above will be considered.

Past Recipients

  • Melissa Conway

    2024

    Director of Special Projects, Connecticut Department of Administrative Services

  • Brad Cunningham

    2024

    Operations & Finance Administrator, Oregon Department of Administrative Services

  • MariJane Kirk

    2023

    Assistant Director, Business Resources Division, Washington

  • Manual "Manny" Mendez

    2022

    Director of Agency Continuous Improvement in the Office of Management and Budget for the State of Indiana

  • Jack Howard

    2021

    Assistant Secretary, Office of Business Enterprise Administration in the Maryland Department of General Services