National Leadership Awards

These awards, presented annually at AGA’s National Leadership Training (NLT), primarily recognize individuals for their contribution to the government financial management profession. 

Please Note: We have switched to a new platform, please continue to use your AGA login to submit nominations. The nominations are closed.

 

2025 Nominations 

 

Elmer Staats Award (federal) 

• One crystal award is presented.
• Honors federal professionals who exemplify and promote excellence in government financial management, outstanding leadership, high ethical standards, and innovative management procedures.
• Recognizes cumulative achievements of individuals who throughout their career have served as a role model for others and who have consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.
• Nominees must have been employed by the federal government at the time the work being recognized was performed.
• Nominees do not have to be members of AGA.

Distinguished Federal Leadership Award (federal)

• A maximum of two crystal awards are presented.
• Honors elected or presidentially-appointed federal officials who exemplify and promote excellence in government management and have demonstrated exceptional leadership in enhancing sound financial management legislation, regulations, practices, policies and systems.
• Recognizes individuals in either the legislative or executive branch who have made outstanding contributions to enhancing government financial management.
• Nominees must have served in an elected federal position (e.g., Senator or Representative), or as a Presidential appointee at the time the contribution being recognized was made.
• Nominees do not have to be members of AGA.

 

Excellence in Government Leadership Award (state/local)

• One crystal award is presented.
• Honors state, local or tribal government professionals who exemplify and promote excellence in government financial management, outstanding leadership, high ethical standards and innovative management procedures.
• Recognizes cumulative achievements of individuals who throughout their public career have served as a role model for others and have consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.
• Nominees must have been employed by the government at the time the work being recognized was perform.
• Nominees do not have to be members of AGA.

William R. Snodgrass Distinguished Leadership Award (state)

• A maximum of two crystal awards are presented.
• Honors state government professionals who exemplify and promote excellence in government financial management and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in enhancing sound financial management legislation, regulations, practices, policies and systems.
• Recognizes exceptional leadership that led to improved financial management practices, policies, systems or operations and individuals that have consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.
• Nominees must have served in a state government position at the time of the recognized contribution.
• Nominees do not have to be members of AGA.

Distinguished Local Government Leadership Award (local)

• A maximum of two crystal awards are presented.
• Honors local government professionals who exemplify and promote excellence in government financial management and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in enhancing sound financial management legislation, regulations, practices, policies and systems.
• Recognizes exceptional leadership that led to improved financial management practices, policies, systems or operations and individuals that have consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.
• Nominees must have served in a local government position at the time of the recognized contribution.
• Nominees do not have to be members of AGA.

Andy Barr Award (private sector)

• One crystal award is presented.
• Honors financial executives in the private sector who exemplify and promote excellence in the federal government, outstanding leadership, high ethical standards, and innovative management techniques.
• Recognizes cumulative achievements of individuals who throughout their career have served as a role model for others and who have consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.
• Nominees must have been employed in the private sector at the time the work being recognized was performed.
• Nominees do not have to be members of AGA.

Private Sector Financial Excellence Award (private sector)

• One crystal award is presented.
• Honors financial executives in the private sector who exemplify and promote excellence in state or local government financial management, outstanding leadership, high ethical standards and innovative management techniques.
• Recognizes cumulative achievements of individuals who throughout their career have served as a role model for others and who have consistently exhibited personal and professional standards.
• Nominees must have been employed in the private sector at the time of the recognized contribution.
• Nominees do not have to be members of AGA.

Eleanor Clark Award

• One crystal award is presented.
• Presented to a public sector leader who has demonstrated excellence in their organization and/or has made a significant impact across a greater public sector population.
• The award is open to current and former employees in federal, state, local, and tribal governments and academia and is intended to recognize premier leadership, outreach and engagement.
• Nominees must have been employed in government service at the time the work being recognized was performed.
• Nominees do not have to be members of AGA.