National Academy of Public Administration Hosts "Celebration of the American Public Servant" for Packed House at Library of Congress

The National Academy of Public Administration welcomed hundreds of public servants at the Library of Congress  Monday, June 22 for the Celebration of the American Public Servant 250 Gala. Attendees  listened to speakers, enjoyed an exhibit curated by the Academy showcasing public servants at all levels in action, and celebrated public servants across America.  

After a welcome from Academy Board Chair Stan Soloway and Acting Librarian of Congress Robert Newlen, the “Stories of Service” panel kicked off the program with moving anecdotes from career civil servants at all levels, featuring winners of marquee awards from all levels of civil service: 

Service to the Citizen Award Honoree: Kenneth Corbin, Chief, Taxpayer Services, Internal Revenue Service 

Partnership for Public Service, Service to America Medal Honoree: David Lebryk, Former Fiscal Assistant Secretary and Acting Secretary of the Treasury  

Governing Public Official of the Year Honoree: Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, Columbus, Ohio 

Arthur S. Flemming Award Honoree: Dr. William Phillips, Katharine Blodgett Gebbie Fellow and Nobel Laureate in Physics, NIST  

Government Executive Hall of Fame Inductee: Major General William J. Walker (Ret.), Former Sergeant at Arms, U.S. House of Representatives  

Leadership Connect Next Generation Leader Spotlight Honoree: Kaity Wolfe, Deputy Assistant Secretary for House Affairs, U.S. Department of State 

“Stories of Service” was followed by remarks from Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL) and a "Future of Public Service” panel featuring Inspector General Michael Horowitz, Federal Reserve Board & CFPB, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (Ret.) JoAnne Bass. 

Drawing from their varied personal experiences, each reflected on the profound impact of public service and the opportunities it provides to improve communities and strengthen institutions.  

Finally, the Academy welcomed U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, who was honored with theAcademy’s first-ever Keeper of the Public Trust Award for his lifetime of public service. 

Guests spent time throughout the evening exploring the “Stories of Service Exhibit,” a special one-night-only installation curated by the Academy. The exhibit presented personal stories from public servants across the United States and detailed how their service has shaped their communities and made meaningful differences in the lives of those they served. Attendees enjoyed walking through the exhibit and left feeling inspired by the dedication of these highlighted individuals. 

This gala served as a powerful reminder of the role that public servants play in maintaining and improving our country. The Academy is incredibly grateful to our partners, Leadership Connect and Government Executive, our sponsors, and all who attended and supported this special celebration of public service. 

“Celebrating the American Public Servant” will continue throughout 2026, as the Academy honors America’s 250^th Anniversary. As part of this yearlong celebration, the Academy and the Bridge Alliance have joined together to launch a landmark initiative dedicated to strengthening American democracy and public service, Fellows for Democracy and Public Service.