The National Academy of Public Administration’s Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Excellence in Public Service recognizes individuals for extraordinary public service in the fine tradition of Elliot L. Richardson, who served as a beacon of integrity and commitment to public service.

Richardson was an Academy Fellow and the only individual to serve in four Cabinet-level positions in the United States government: Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare; Secretary of Defense; Attorney General; and Secretary of Commerce.

Previous recipients of this distinguished award are Colin Powell, Alice M. Rivlin, George P. Shultz, Norman Y. Mineta, Sandra Day O’Connor, Lee Hamilton, and Robert M. Gates, all Fellows or Honorary Fellows of the Academy. George J. Mitchell, James A. Baker III, and Tom Kean are also Prize recipients.