Selection Process
For all award categories, the nominee must have shown a strong commitment to public service as a federal civil servant and demonstrated significant accomplishments within his or her particular government field. The finalists are determined by the Partnership for Public Service following careful review of the nominations and vetting of the potential finalists, including interviews with the potential finalists, their nominator and references, and additional sources. Finalists in each category are announced in late spring.
The award recipients are determined by the Partnership for Public Service based on the votes submitted by a Selection Committee consisting of national leaders representing government, business, entertainment, media, and the non-profit/foundation community. The members of the selection committee rank the finalists in each category according to the significance and impact of their accomplishments, and how well they foster innovation, demonstrate strong leadership and exemplify excellence in public service. The Partnership conducts a second round of vetting and interviews before the final list of award recipients is approved. The award recipients are announced in September.
2013 Service to America Medals Selection Committee
Edward L. Ayers
President
University of Richmond
Melody Barnes
CEO, Melody Barnes Solutions
Senior Director, Albright Stonebridge Group
Tom A. Bernstein
President and Co-Founder
Chelsea Piers Management, Inc.
Eli Broad
Founder
The Broad Foundation
J. David Cox, Sr.
National President
American Federation of Government Employees
Mitchell Daniels
President
Purdue University
Katherine Ernst
President
Robertson Foundation for Government
Kenneth Feinberg
Founder, Managing Partner
Feinberg Rozen, LLP
Ronnie F. Heyman
Chairman
GAF Industries
Colleen M. Kelley
National President
National Treasury Employees Union
U.S. Representative Michael McCaul
Texas
Kyra Phillips
Host
HLN’s Raising America with Kyra Phillips
U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz
Pennsylvania
Max Stier
President and CEO
Partnership for Public Service
Judy Woodruff
CoAnchor and Senior Correspondent
The PBS NewsHour
The Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals are presented annually by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service to celebrate excellence in our federal civil service.
