The DC Chapter Awards Committee is soliciting nominations of outstanding leaders in the federal, state, local, tribal government and private sector for the 2026 AGA National Leadership Awards. Email nominations to dcchapterawards@agadc.org by Monday, December 15, 2025.

AGA’s National Leadership Awards honor the most dedicated and inspiring leaders and innovators who have led and enabled significant contributions to the public sector.

• Private Sector Financial Excellence Award
  • This award honors outstanding private sector financial executives who have made a lasting impact on state or local government financial management.
  • This award celebrates those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and integrity while partnering with public entities to strengthen accountability and improve performance.
• Eleanor Clark Award
  • This award honors a public sector professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, meaningful engagement, and lasting impact within their organization or across the broader public sector.
  • The award celebrates individuals who lead with integrity, elevate others, and strengthen public service through dedication and innovation.
• Andy Barr Award
  • This award honors exceptional private sector leaders who have made significant contributions to improving federal government financial management.
  • This prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate integrity, innovation, and leadership while working in partnership with the public sector to advance accountability, efficiency, and excellence.
• Distinguished Local Government Leadership Award
  • This award honors professionals in local government who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to improving financial management systems, practices, and policies.
  • This national recognition highlights individuals who have driven meaningful change and elevated the standards of accountability, efficiency, and service within their communities.
• William R. Snodgrass Distinguished Leadership Award
  • Named in honor of a trailblazer in public sector accountability, this award recognizes state government professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in strengthening financial management.
  • This prestigious award honors those who have driven meaningful improvements to policies, systems, and operations—leaving a lasting legacy of integrity and service.
• Excellence in Government Leadership Award
  • This 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.
• Distinguished Federal Leadership Award
  • This award honors elected or presidentially appointed federal officials who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving government financial management.
  • Presented annually at National Leadership Training, this prestigious award recognizes leaders who have shaped policies, practices, and systems that strengthen accountability and promote good governance.
• Elmer Staats Award
  • This award honors exceptional federal professionals who have demonstrated a career-long commitment to excellence in government financial management, ethical leadership, and innovative practices in public service.
  • This prestigious national award is presented annually at National Leadership Training in Washington, D.C.

Each of these awards honors professionals who have made a lasting impact on their organization as part of extraordinary contributions to advancing government accountability.

For further information on the selection criteria for each award, see the AGA website at the following link: AGA National Leadership Awards.