Recognition

Every day, public servants across government work to solve big challenges—from developing new medical treatments and protecting our national security to supporting undeserved communities and exploring the new frontiers of space.

Yet for many Americans, this vital work remains a mystery. They notice government when it fails, but not when it succeeds.  

We shed light on these untold success stories, recognizing the anonymous public servants who drive government’s most significant accomplishments and work tirelessly to protect our health, safety and well-being. In so doing, we build public trust in government and underscore the critical role it plays in our democracy.

Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals^®

For more than 20 years, the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals have been the premier awards program recognizing innovation and leadership in the federal government. Considered the “Oscars” of government service, the Sammies are the Partnership’s way of highlighting the many ways in which our government impacts our lives for the better. Since its inception in 2001, the Sammies have honored more than 700 public servants for their accomplishments.

Public Service Recognition Week

Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is celebrated the first week of May since 1985 (beginning on the first Sunday of the month) to honor the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees.

Each year, the Partnership helps people and organizations across the country recognize the important work public servants do. PSRW 2023 will be observed from May 7-May 13, 2023. Visit the PSRW site for resources, event recaps, videos and more.

Podcast: Profiles in Public Service

Profiles in Public Service tells compelling stories about the unsung public servant leaders who have driven government’s most important accomplishments. Tune in to hear co-hosts Loren DeJonge Schulman and Rachel Klein-Kircher, two Partnership experts on all things government, highlight the critical ways in which federal employees have demonstrated bold leadership at all levels to positively impact our lives. Recent guests have developed innovative weather warning systems, researched life-saving vaccines, managed presidential transitions and so much more.