Featured January 7, 2020 The Sammies effect Back to Blog Announcing the 2020 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals finalists Date May 4, 2020 | Updated on May 17, 2022 Authors Tags Recognition The Partnership announces the 27 finalists for the annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals, recognizing the unsung heroes in our federal government whose incredible accomplishments make a difference worldwide. Sharing these stories is vital to remind the nation of the important work that career federal employees do, especially at a time when the coronavirus pandemic demonstrates how critical an effective government is to our safety and well-being. The work of the 2020 finalists helped the government: Improve instruction for students in disadvantaged communities. Solve hundreds of drug-smuggling cases. Coordinate trade negotiations for the $1.3 trillion United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. More details about these accomplishments can be found in the finalist profiles, which include audio clips of the finalists explaining their work in their own words. For 20 years, the Sammies, or the “Oscars of federal government,” has been honoring federal employees who are dedicated to making our country a better place. This year’s finalists are recognized across five categories. Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement – recognizing a federal employee for leading significant and sustained accomplishments throughout a federal career for 20 or more years. Emerging Leaders – recognizing a federal employee under the age of 35 who made an important contribution. Management Excellence – recognizing a federal employee or team for a contribution that exemplifies efficient, effective and results-oriented government. Safety, Security and International Affairs – recognizing a federal employee or team for a contribution in fields such as counterterrorism, civil rights, defense and military affairs, diplomacy, foreign assistance, trade, consumer protection, cybersecurity and emergency preparedness and response. Science and Environment – recognizing a federal employee or team for a contribution in fields such as medicine, economics, energy, information technology, space, meteorology and resource conservation. The winners in these categories are chosen by a blue-ribbon selection committee of leaders in government, business, entertainment, education and the nonprofit community. The results will be announced in September. But you can vote now to help select a winner of the People’s Choice Award. Read the stories and choose your favorite from among the 27 finalists. We will announce the results this summer.
