As part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Partnership for Public Service and the 25th annual Service to America Medals®, we are highlighting outstanding career federal employees whose contributions have laid the foundation for innovation, economic growth and a more prosperous country.
Whether addressing economic downturns, providing support to low-income communities or developing new tools and technologies, these public servants have worked to keep our nation moving forward and helped our communities thrive.
Halting the worst economic recession since the Great Depression
Jennifer Main, Timothy Massad and David Miller: 2010 Service to America Medals Honorees
Jennifer Main, Timothy Massad and David Miller of the Department of the Treasury implemented a $700 billion financial rescue plan enacted by Congress in 2008 to secure the nation’s banking system and help the country recover from the worst economic recession since the Great Depression.
Boosting healthcare and infrastructure in low-income communities
Lisa Jones: 2016 Citizen Services Medalist
Lisa Jones of the Department of the Treasury helped low-income communities gain access to investment capital to fund health-care centers, charter schools, day-care centers, housing, small business development and commercial real estate projects through a long-term bond guarantee program.
Improving the quality of life for disabled veterans
Rory Cooper: 2017 Science, Technology and Environment Medalist
Rory Cooper of the Department of Veterans Affairs designed innovative wheelchairs and other assistive technology equipment that has greatly improved the mobility and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of disabled veterans and other Americans.
Driving America’s wireless revolution
Evan Kwerel, Ph.D.: 2021 Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement Medalist
Evan Kwerel of the Federal Communications Commission pioneered the use of competitive spectrum auctions to allocate the public airwaves for sound, data and video transmissions, helping fuel the digital revolution while adding more than $200 billion to the government’s coffers.
Revolutionizing DNA research to boost milk production
Paul VanRaden, Ph.D., Ransom L. Baldwin VI, Ph.D., Curtis P. Van Tassell, Ph.D.: 2026 Service to America Medals Honorees
Paul VanRaden, Ransom Baldwin, Curtis Van Tassel and the and the ARS Dairy Cattle Genetic Enhancement Team of the Department of Agriculture played a leading role in revolutionizing dairy cattle breeding through DNA research and genetic testing that has greatly improved milk production and animal health while benefiting the industry and the public.
Visit servicetoamericamedals.org to learn more about the Sammies and read the inspiring stories of our honorees.