Recognizing Superior Public Service at the NextGen Awards

For the past five years, the NextGen Public Service Awards has recognized superior public service and achievement. Nominations are now open for this year’s Awards until April 15.

As a govie, you probably feel you have a bad rep, constantly bombarded with negative news and scandals. That’s why it’s so vital to share the successes and shed light on the amazing work public servants carry out everyday.

Our past finalists and winners have amazing stories of how they went above and beyond to improve and invigorate government. So we want to re-share last year’s winners to give YOU ideas for the different types of change-makers in government.

After reading, we hope you’ll have some colleagues in mind that are deserving of an award and will submit a nomination for them. (Plus, finalists will get a complimentary VIP pass to the Next Generation of Government Training Summit.)

Ilija Hardage

As an Instructional Systems Specialist for the Human Capital Office at the EPA Ilija works to help others meet their training needs. In five years with EPA, Ilija was awarded an S-Award, a Quality Step Increase (QSI), and a Superior Accomplishment Recognition award.

He also set up the Region 5 Veterans Group, a group for military veterans to get together to provide mutual support to each other and also educate other federal employees about veterans and what they have to offer.

Ebony Johnson

As a Policy Analyst at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Ebony’s number one priority is to ensure that the Office of the CIO is compliant with all policies.

But outside of her day-to-day job is where she really shows her passion for helping others. She is the CEO of The Next Chapter, Corporation a non-profit committed to empowering veterans and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. She also serves as the Tiger Team for Membership Chair of the National Blacks in Government; Vice-President for the Widening Opportunities for Women Chapter of Federally Employed Women; and member of the HUD Veterans Affinity Group.

Sarah Thokey

Sarah has committed her time and energy to public service for the last 23 years. She started her career with the U.S. Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office and now, as the Clerical Manager for the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, she oversees operations of staff, whether it’s coordinating training or performance evaluations. Her collaborative spirit creates cohesive working relationships with team members at both local and national levels.

Monte Desai

Monte Desai is a Product Manager at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, focused on technology and innovation. There, he helped build and lead the agency’s award-winning innovation initiative, IdeaBox. With IdeaBox, employees can share, comment, collaborate and build ideas, resulting in helping CFPB develop a better organizational culture, eliminate silos, and develop better proposals.

Karla Aguirre

Last but certainly not least, Karla has over 25 years of public service, administering programs at state and local levels. In her role as the Director of Program and Policy in Utah’s Department of Workforce Services she works with businesses and community partners to provide better citizen services. Managing a team of 85, she has created an outcome-driven culture that works to help citizens with employment.

Check out all of the past finalists here and submit your nomination at http://direct.govloop.com/nextgen-award-nominations.