DR. ANTHONY FAUCI AWARDED 2020 FEDERAL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR BY PARTNERSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

October 1, 2020

Washington Nationals famed racing presidents present award in new video

WASHINGTON – The nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service today announced that Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health has been named the 2020 Federal Employee of the Year – the top honor of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals® (Sammies).

Fauci is recognized for his role as the nation’s premier expert and spokesperson on infectious diseases, and has led the federal government’s research response to infectious diseases over the course of six administrations. As COVID-19 spread across the nation, Fauci brought more than 50 years of knowledge to his efforts to keep the nation updated on how to navigate the deadly health crisis. In his capacity as director, he also has spearheaded efforts to develop COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

The prestigious award was presented to Fauci by four of his biggest fans – Abe, Tom, George and Teddy. In a video released today, the presidential mascots from the Washington Nationals race to deliver the trophy from Nationals Park to Fauci at his home. Watch the video here.

“Dr. Fauci has become a household name for his steady hand and unwavering commitment to his country during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Partnership for Public Service President and CEO Max Stier said. “Dr. Fauci represents the very best of public service, and it is an honor to award him the 2020 Federal Employee of the Year. We thank him for his dedication and for inspiring the next generation of public servants.”

Considered the “Oscars” of government service, the Service to America Medals have earned a reputation as the premier awards program recognizing innovation and leadership in the federal government. Fauci and five other medalists will be honored during a one-hour virtual awards ceremony on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. EDT.

The virtual program will be streamed live on Axios.com and Axios Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages; aired on Bloomberg Television and streamed on Bloomberg.com; streamed on YouTube and Twitter; and streamed on the Partnership for Public Service’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages. Viewers can register to stream the celebration here.

As part of the Sammies program, 20 celebrities, journalists and professional athletes will express their appreciation for Fauci’s public service, including Stephen Colbert, Katie Couric, Bryan Cranston and Sloane Stephens.  

Monday’s virtual Sammies program will be hosted by actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani with award presentations by Samantha Bee, Kristen Bell, Mayim Bialik, Adam Conover, Nick Kroll, Aisha Tyler, and Darren Walker. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama also will share messages of gratitude and congratulations to the 2020 Sammies honorees and federal employees.

The 2020 Sammies winners were selected from more than 350 nominations submitted to the Partnership for Public Service. Of the 27 finalists announced in May 2020, the  medalists were chosen by a prestigious selection committee that included leaders from government, business, charitable organizations, academia, entertainment and media.

The 2020 Service to America Medals are made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. The Premier sponsor for the 2020 Sammies is Mrs. Ronnie F. Heyman and Family. National sponsors include Bloomberg Philanthropies, ConantLeadership, David Marchick, Jennifer and David Millstone, Indra and Raj Nooyi, Standard Industries, and Patricia A. and George W. Wellde Jr. Capital sponsors include Tom and Andi Bernstein, Charina Endowment Fund, Microsoft, and Tom Nides. Platinum sponsors include Citi, Deloitte, EY, David J. Kappos and Leslie Kimball, McKinsey & Company, The MITRE Corporation, Morgan Stanley Foundation, Steve and Molly Preston, and Verint.

The 2020 Sammies will reach more viewers than ever thanks to the generous support of media partners Axios, Bloomberg, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Renamed the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals in 2010 to commemorate the organization’s founder, the program has honored more than 550 outstanding federal employees since its inception in 2002. For profiles and videos of current and past honorees, and to nominate a federal employee for a 2021 Service to America Medal, visit servicetoamericamedals.org. Information about hosting Sammies pre-show conversations and watch parties is available here. For digital toolkits and communications materials for the 2020 Service to America Medals virtual awards program, click here.

During the past 19 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to making the federal government more effective for the American people. We work across administrations to help transform the way government operates by increasing collaboration, accountability, efficiency and innovation. Visit opswebdev.wpengine.com to learn more. Follow us on social @publicservice and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more. 

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