“Stories of Service” Presentation at Celebration of the American Public Servant 250 Gala will bring together public service award winners for first time in history

For Immediate Release

June 17, 2026

Contact: Matt Hampton (mhampton@napawash.org)

 “Stories of Service” Presentation at Celebration of the American Public Servant 250 Gala will bring together public service award winners for first time in history

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, June 22, for the first time ever, winners representing six of the nation’s premier public service award programs will be united under one roof at the Library of Congress for the Celebration of the American Public Servant 250 Gala. 

The National Academy of Public Administration’s “Stories of Service” speakers are the recipients of six national awards, representing public servants across federal, state, and local sectors: 

Service to the Citizen Award: Honors public servants who excel in delivering impactful, efficient, and effective government services and rebuilding public trust in government. 

Honoree: Kenneth Corbin, Chief, Taxpayer Services, Internal Revenue Service 

Partnership for Public Service, Service to America Medal: Honors federal workers who make our nation safer, stronger, healthier, and more prosperous. Sheds light on stories that show how government makes a difference in our lives. 

Honoree: David Lebryk, Former Fiscal Assistant Secretary and Acting Secretary of the Treasury 

Governing Public Official of the Year: Recognizes state and local officials who have brought about significant changes to their communities, no matter their political party. Highlights individuals who carry out programs and policies that make a difference at home and provide lessons to leaders everywhere. 

Honoree: Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, Columbus, Ohio 

Arthur S. Flemming Award: Honors outstanding federal employees. Recognized by the President of the United States, agency heads, and the private sector. 

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

Government Executive Hall of Fame: Honors individuals who have profoundly shaped the federal government and the American people. Highlights people who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and sustained excellence in public service. 

Honoree: Major General William J. Walker (Ret.), Former Sergeant at Arms, U.S. House of Representatives 

Leadership Connect Next Generation Leader Spotlight: Spotlights individuals who have shown passion and purpose while working in and with the U.S. Government. 

Honoree: Kaity Wolfe, Deputy Assistant Secretary for House Affairs, U.S. Department of State   

“The honorees included in ‘Stories of Service’ have important lessons to share, having made a difference at all levels of government,” said James-Christian Blockwood, President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration. “A critical part of ‘Celebrating the American Public Servant’ is inspiring our current and next-generation leaders and helping them be better prepared to take on our most significant challenges. These honorees live up to that task and represent experience, expertise, and the very best of public service."

Presented with Leadership Connect and Government Executive, Celebrating the American Public Servant seeks to shine a light on the value and importance of public service. The Celebration of the American Public Servant 250 Gala is the Academy’s signature contribution to the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, and a tribute to the people whose work strengthens our nation every day.

Special thanks to our award partners for this event: Public Service Leadership Academy’s Service to the Citizen Awards, the Partnership for Public Service, The Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at George Washington University, Governing, Leadership Connect, and Government Executive. 

For more information about the event, visit www.napawash.org/caps. To attend as press, email mhampton@napawash.org. 

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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