Public service is full of people who make a difference every day — often quietly, consistently and without expecting recognition.
They are the managers who advocate for their teams. The innovators who find a better way to serve residents. The mission-driven employees who turn challenges into progress. The technology champions helping their agencies modernize responsibly. The connectors who bring people together and make collaboration easier.
These are the people the NextGen Public Service Awards were created to celebrate.
Hosted by GovLoop, the NextGen Public Service Awards recognize outstanding individuals in government who demonstrate intelligence, energy and dedication to improving public service. Each year, honorees are recognized as part of the NextGen Government Training Virtual Summit, shining a spotlight on the people who are helping government work better for employees, agencies and the communities they serve.
Nominations are now open through July 31, 2026, and anyone can submit a nomination. You do not have to be a government employee to nominate someone, but nominees must be current government employees at the local, state or federal level. Self-nominations are not accepted, so this is a chance to lift up a colleague, supervisor, partner or peer whose work deserves to be seen.
This year’s award categories include:
Manager of the Year, recognizing managers and supervisors who go above and beyond for their teams by listening, advocating and showing up when it matters.
Innovator of the Year, honoring individuals who have found creative ways to improve processes, modernize work or strengthen workplace culture.
Advancing the Mission Award, celebrating public servants who consistently move their agency’s mission forward through initiative, collaboration and measurable impact.
Tech Champion, recognizing forward-thinking employees who use technology to support transformation and help teams focus on mission-critical work.
Connector of the Year, honoring individuals who build relationships, break down silos and help teams, partners and stakeholders move toward shared goals.