In 2006, the National Academy of Public Administration created the George Graham Award for Exceptional Service to the Academy. This award, named for the National Academy’s first president, recognizes those Fellows who have made a sustained and extraordinary contribution toward the Academy becoming a stronger and more respected organization.
The George Graham Award for Exceptional Service to the Academy was inaugurated in 2007. Previous recipients of the award are George Graham, James Webb, Phil Rutledge, Elmer Staats, Alan Dean, Dwight Ink, Howard Messner, Dolph Norton, Dick Wegman, George Frederickson, Jonathan Howes, Herb Jasper, Chet Newland, Enid Beaumont, Bill Hansell, Roz Kleeman, Sy Murray, Diane Disney, Paul Posner, Dick Thornburgh, Dan Skoler, Jonathan Breul, Thomas Stanton, Mortimer Downey, III, Blue Wooldridge, Myra Shiplett, G. Edward DeSeve, Arnold Fields and David S.C. Chu. We anticipate the presentation of the award to occur in conjunction with our Fall Meeting in November.
Board guidance stipulates that current Board members are not eligible for the award.
The George Graham Award Committee assesses service to the Academy in terms of contributions such as dedicated time as a committee member, study or standing panel members, former Board member, actively involved in bringing programs or funds to the Academy and more.
When the nominee has also worked at the Academy as a staff member, only that service that exceeds the official duties in their role as a member of the Academy Staff will be assessed in consideration for the award.
There is no limit on the number of Fellows you may nominate, but five or more Fellows must endorse each nomination. It is the nominator’s responsibility to secure these endorsements and to provide a statement that describes the special contributions that the nominee has made to the Academy. Please submit your nomination statement including the names of the five Fellows who endorse the nomination to Jillian McGuffey, jmcguffey@napawash.org, by May 31, 2026.
Jillian McGuffey - jmcguffey@napawash.org
We are honored to award Robert Shea the 2025 George Graham Award for Exceptional Service to the Academy, recognizing his lifelong dedication to advancing government management and performance. Robert has served in both the legislative and executive branches, played a key role in the development of the Performance Accountability Rating Tool (PART), and contributed to the Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking, helping lay the foundation for the Evidence Act.
Since joining Grant Thornton in 2009, Robert has continued supporting public agencies and the Academy, spearheading important symposiums and initiatives, such as the Working Capital Fund and Grants Management Symposium. His leadership has been pivotal in securing funding and fostering collaborations that have strengthened the Academy’s impact and reach.
Robert’s tenure on the Academy’s Board of Directors—including as Chair—and his ongoing leadership of the Executive Organization and Management Standing Panel reflect his commitment to the Academy’s mission. His sustained contributions have significantly enhanced the Academy’s reputation, fiscal health, and membership growth.