The Emerging Leader Award of Excellence recognizes rising professionals in government financial management who have made notable early-career contributions to the field. This award highlights the value of emerging leadership and encourages continued excellence and impact among the next generation of public service leaders.

About the Award

  • One crystal award is presented annually
  • Honors government financial professionals with 5–10 years of experience
  • Recognizes early career achievement and commitment to professional excellence
  • Nominees do not have to be AGA members
  • Recipients may only receive this award once

Nominees should exemplify:

  • Demonstrated impact or innovation in government financial management early in their career
  • Commitment to public service, accountability, and integrity
  • Leadership qualities that show promise for continued professional growth
  • Engagement in efforts that enhance operations, collaboration, or public trust
  • A role model for early achievement and future leadership in the profession

Nominations for the 2026 Emerging Leader Award of Excellence will open in spring 2026.

Latest Award Winner

Aaron Ruiz’s vision and leadership have led to new relationships across federal and state governments
being built, creating opportunities for free training events available to thousands. Because of his
efforts, financial management stakeholders have access to new ideas for some of the most timely and consequential
financial management issues of today. Additionally, Aaron is leading audit work to help the Department of Defense find
its way to financial statement auditability, a major step in improving the overall financial management of the federal
government.

Past Winners

2021
OMB
2020
Guam Economic Development Authority

Other Awards