Back to Blog

Celebrating the 2023 Service to America Medals® finalists

This week, the Partnership announced the 27 finalists for the 2023 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals^®, the premier awards program honoring excellence and innovation in our federal government.

These awards—called the Sammies—shine the spotlight on federal employees whose remarkable accomplishments benefit the nation, build trust in our government and inspire people to public service.

Representing 23 federal agencies across 15 states, this year’s finalists have successfully handled international hostage negotiations, helped deliver humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine, protected the rights of air travelers, advanced space research and safety, and much more.

Since 2001, the Sammies have honored more than 700 public servants. More details about the 2023 finalists and their accomplishments can be found in our honoree profiles.

A reception to honor the finalists

On Thursday, May 11, the Partnership celebrated the finalists during a reception at the Partnership’s office in downtown Washington, D.C.

“Each of this year’s Sammies stories on its own is extraordinary but soak in the stories as a group and the collection of accomplishments is astounding,” Partnership President and CEO Max Stier said.

The honorees were joined by agency leaders, colleagues, family members, as well as leaders in the business, philanthropic and media communities—all of whom were excited to honor these exceptional public servants for their work to keep our nation moving forward.

“[The finalists] show us how much America can offer,” said Kelly Magsamen, chief of staff at the Department of Defense. “They show us how much public service can mean, and they show us how much ordinary citizens can achieve.”

The Service to America Medals winners are chosen by a prestigious committee that includes leaders from government, business, education, media and the nonprofit community. The winners will be announced in the fall.

Vote for your favorite Sammies story

You too have a chance to select a Sammies winner by voting for the People’s Choice Award. Vote online for the federal employee or team you believe has made the most significant contribution to public service.  

Vote for your favorite finalist once per day, and show your support on social media by resharing the Partnership’s posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, using #Sammies2023. 

The winner will be announced this summer.  

Visit servicetoamericamedals.org to learn more about the Sammies program, the 2023 finalists and the People’s Choice Award.  

Learn how the Sammies propel federal employees’ impact in government and on our country.    

---

---