The Excellence in Government Leadership Award honors outstanding professionals in state, local, or tribal government who have demonstrated a career-long commitment to public service, ethical leadership, and innovation in government financial management. This award celebrates those who have made a lasting impact on their agencies, communities, and the profession as a whole.

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About the Award

  • One crystal award is presented annually
  • Recognizes professionals in state, local, or tribal government
  • Celebrates career achievements, not a single project or initiative
  • Nominees must have been employed by the government at the time the recognized work was performed
  • AGA membership is not required

Nominees should exemplify:

  • A strong record of leadership, integrity, and ethical conduct in public financial management
  • Commitment to improving systems, processes, or performance within their organization
  • Innovative approaches that promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability in government
  • Consistent efforts to serve as a mentor and role model within their agency or community
  • A legacy of public service excellence that reflects the highest personal and professional standards

Latest Award Winner

By exemplifying the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s
guiding motto, “Make government work better,” Kathy Stickel
is awarded the Excellence in Government Leadership Award.
Throughout her thirty-year career, she has worked tirelessly
to conduct audits, oversee fiscal operations, foster employee
engagement and develop future leaders — all in service to
providing strong accountability to the citizens of Tennessee.
Kathy has served AGA in numerous leadership roles within the
Nashville Chapter, including as chapter president. At the national
level, she has served as national treasurer, as co-chair of the
Leadership Development Committee, and as a member of
the Financial Management Standards Board, demonstrating
a sustained commitment to advancing excellence in public
financial management.

Past Winners

2025
Fairfield, Ohio
2024
State of Florida
2022
City of Gahanna, Ohio

Other Awards