National Academy of Public Administration, Government Executive & Leadership Connect Partner for Celebrating the American Public Servant

Post Date: January 26, 2026

For Immediate Release

January 26, 2026

Contacts: NAPA - Matt Hampton (mhampton@napawash.org); GovExec - Liz Stein (lstein@govexec.com); Leadership Connect: Erin Worley (erin.worley@leadershipconnect.io)

National Academy of Public Administration, Government Executive & Leadership Connect Partner for Celebrating the American Public Servant

Leaders and experts in public service join forces to honor and share stories of civil servants to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 26, 2026) — Government Executive, Leadership Connect and the National Academy of Public Administration will partner for Celebrating the American Public Servant, a yearlong campaign to recognize the dedication, expertise and determination of civil servants.

The partnership will feature high-impact media coverage across Government Executive’s platforms, with columns and feature stories, interviews and digital spotlights highlighting honorees and key milestones. In the coming weeks, the partnership will unveil collaborative programming, fireside chats and thought leadership dialogues designed to elevate public service excellence and innovation. Celebrating the American Public Servant is part of a four-year strategic relationship between the Academy and Government Executive aimed to strengthen engagement and cooperation in recognizing public service. The Academy and Leadership Connect have previously partnered for numerous leadership programs and training events.

Utilizing video storytelling, podcasts and articles to reach Government Executive’s national audience, Celebrating the American Public Servant will bring to life the stories of public servants and showcase their vital work, including lessons learned throughout their careers. The initiative has been designed to build momentum throughout America’s 250th year, culminating in summer 2026 with a gala recognizing excellence and impact across government.

“A strong government depends on a capable and committed public service,” said James-Christian Blockwood, President & CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration. “Celebrating the American Public Servant is about sharing the stories of people whose leadership, expertise, and dedication make the lives of Americans better every day. As our nation looks ahead to its next 250 years, we should honor the public servants who are stewards of our institutions, strengthen communities across the country and ensure we prosper as a nation.”

“We’re thrilled to partner on Celebrating the American Public Servant and to bring Leadership Connect’s full suite of marketing services to this important national initiative,” said Michael Crosby, CEO of Leadership Connect. “Through the CAPS sponsorship opportunities and our VIP Enhancements, we’re excited to showcase dynamic thought leadership programming, alongside our people data insights. Together, these offerings help elevate the stories of public servants, connect leaders across government, and amplify the impact of this celebration as we look ahead to America’s next 250 years.”

“We take pride in our reporting on the people and institutions that make government function,” said Tanya Ballard Brown, Executive Editor of Government Executive. “This partnership creates another opportunity to highlight the work and experience of public servants through sustained, in-depth coverage.”

Organizations and individuals interested in partnering or co-sponsoring the initiative can download the partnership packet by visiting the Celebrating the American Public Servant website at www.napawash.org/caps, or contact Tony Spearman-Leach, Senior Director of Institutional Advancement, at [tspearman-leach@napawash.org]tspearman-leach@napawash.org.

About the National Academy of Public Administration

Established in 1967 and chartered by Congress, the National Academy of Public Administration is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that helps government leaders solve the nation’s most critical management challenges. With more than 1,000 Fellows—including former cabinet officials, governors, mayors, and scholars—the Academy advances excellence in public administration through research, advisory services, and thought leadership. Learn more at www.napawash.org

About GovExec

GovExec is the premier digital destination for senior leaders in the federal government's departments and agencies, with data and insights that set the standard for depth, accuracy, and impact for government leaders and contractors. As the market-leading information and intent-based marketing platform, for over fifty years GovExec has empowered the government ecosystem to engage and support government leaders as they work to achieve their missions across federal, defense, and state and local agencies. Our strategic sales enablement and intent-based marketing solutions accelerate revenue growth to fuel market success. The platform is powered by the largest and most sophisticated database in the public sector, GovExec’s platform reaches 3.3 million government influencers each month and provides its marketing clients with a significant competitive advantage in driving higher conversion and growth.

About Leadership Connect

Leadership Connect provides government, policy, and contracting intelligence to organizations that engage with the public sector. Through contact data, stakeholder insights, federal spending data, and analytical tools, Leadership Connect helps clients understand who influences

decisions, how government operates, and where opportunities and risks exist. Leadership Connect also offers a suite of marketing services designed to connect its community through real-life experience and expertise, including webinars, panels, private events, and thought leadership featuring respected practitioners and speakers from across government and industry. These programs help organizations engage authentically with public sector leaders and elevate the conversations shaping government today. Learn more at www.leadershipconnect.io.

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