The Awards Committee celebrates excellence in government financial management by recognizing individuals and organizations that exemplify leadership, innovation, and service to the profession. By selecting recipients for AGA’s top national honors and scholarships, the committee helps shine a light on outstanding contributions while fostering the next generation of public sector financial leaders.

What the Awards Committee Does

Each year, the Awards Committee carries out a vital role in promoting and upholding AGA’s values through meaningful recognition. The committee is responsible for evaluating nominations and selecting recipients for:

• National Leadership Awards (presented at National Leadership Training in February)
• Professional Development Training Awards (presented at PDT in July)
• AGA National Academic Scholarships (awarded in May)

In addition to reviewing and scoring submissions, the committee may recommend updates to award and scholarship criteria or suggest new recognition programs for consideration by the National Governing Board (NGB).

The committee also helps raise awareness of AGA’s awards and scholarships by encouraging nominations and supporting outreach across the AGA community.

Why It Matters

Recognition is a powerful way to uplift the profession, motivate peers, and showcase the impact of government financial managers. Whether honoring lifetime achievement, exceptional chapter service, or the promise of a student’s future career, the Awards Committee plays a central role in elevating leadership, advancing the profession, and building a more engaged community.

Who Serves on the Awards Committee

The committee typically includes nine members, serving staggered three-year terms to ensure continuity and fresh perspectives. Each year, three new members are appointed. All members must be AGA members in good standing.

• The Committee Chair is appointed annually by the National President and approved by the National Governing Board (NGB)
• Both committee members and the chair may serve up to two consecutive terms
• Membership aims to reflect the diversity and breadth of AGA’s national community

To maintain fairness and integrity, committee members must recuse themselves from decisions involving any awards for which they or their chapter have submitted a nomination.

Meetings and Confidentiality

The Awards Committee meets by conference call three times per year, aligned with AGA’s major award and scholarship cycles. Additional meetings may be held to discuss processes, criteria, or promotional efforts.

All deliberations, nominations, and outcomes remain strictly confidential until winners are formally notified by the National President.