Federal employees are responsible for many noteworthy and inspiring accomplishments that are seldom recognized or celebrated. The Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals highlight excellence in our federal workforce and inspire other talented and dedicated individuals to go into public service.
The Sammies, known as the “Oscars” of government service, are a highly respected honor with a rigorous selection process. Named for the Partnership for Public Service’s late founder who was inspired by President Kennedy’s call to serve in 1963, these awards align with his vision of a dynamic and innovative federal workforce that meets the needs of the American people.
The Partnership is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to help make our government more effective, and the Sammies honorees represent the many exceptional federal workers who are doing just that—breaking down barriers, overcoming huge challenges and getting results. Whether they’re defending the homeland, protecting the environment, ensuring public safety, making scientific and medical discoveries, or responding to natural and man-made disasters, these men and women put service before self and make a lasting difference.
Samuel J. Heyman believed that “the future of our nation quite simply depends on the quality of our government.” The Sammies are the Partnership’s way of showing the world the many ways our government is making our country better, safer and stronger.
In 2019, the Partnership for Public Service proudly named the Service to America Career Achievement Medal for Paul A. Volcker in recognition of his nearly three decades of distinguished federal service. The new Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement Medal, made possible through the generous support of Ray and Barbara Dalio, recognizes federal employees who have led significant and sustained achievements over 20 or more years of service in government. Click here to read more and watch a short video about this remarkable public servant.
Former NASA administrators Charlie Bolden and Sean O’Keefe present the 2019 Management Excellence Medal to Robert Cabana and the Kennedy Space Center Senior Management team2010 Federal Employee of the Year, Pius Bannis, and former Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet NapolitanoActor Michael Kelly and former White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough, present at the 2016 Sammies2012 Sammies Masters of Ceremonies, John Roberts, FOX News and Kyra Phillips, ABC News2012 National Security and International Affairs Medal Recipient, Charles Scoville, with Congressman Darrell Issa2008 Sammies Master of Ceremonies, Rob RigglePresident Barack Obama with 2013 Sammies finalists (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)2014 Career Achievement Medalist, Edwin Kneedler, and Former Attorney General, Eric Holder2007 Sammies Master of Ceremonies, Lester HoltFirst Lady Michelle Obama with 2014 Sammies winners (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)Anderson Cooper at the 2004 Sammies2011 Homeland Security Medal Recipient, Norman Coleman, and Former United States Secretary of Energy, Steven ChuFormer White House Chief of Staff, Andy Card, with 2002 Career Achievement Medal Recipient, Dr. Katharine GebbieFormer White House Chief of Staff, Josh Bolten, with Richard Greene, 2008 Federal Employee of the YearAuthor Michael Lewis with 2018 Spirit of Service Award winner Jeff BezosDEKA Research & Development Corporation President, Dean Kamen presents the 2017 Management Excellence Medal2017 Promising Innovations Medal winner, Flora Jordan with Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey2017 Sammies emcee, John Dickerson, Co-Anchor, CBS This MorningPartnership for Public Service President and CEO Max Stier kicks off the 2017 Sammies ceremonyPartnership for Public Service Board Members Tom Bernstein (Chairman) and Joel Fleishman2016 Masters of Ceremonies, Michael Kelly, “House of Cards,” and Stephanie Ruhle, MSNBCFormer U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie presents the 2019 Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement MedalFormer Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar presents the 2019 Science and Environment MedalSen. Rick Scott presents the 2019 Safety and Law Enforcement MedalDina Powell presenting to 2019 National Security and International Affairs Medal recipient, Ryan Shelby
Medal Categories
Federal Employee of the Year
This award recognizes a federal employee whose professional contributions exemplify the highest attributes of public service.
Special Guidelines: This award is chosen by the Sammies Selection Committee from among the group of finalists. We do not accept nominations directly for this category.
This nomination category is offered to encourage special consideration for young federal employees who have made an important contribution early in their professional career. Selected finalists will be assigned to other medal categories according to the nature of their work and accomplishments.
Special Eligibility Criteria: Nominee must be 35 or younger as of January 1 during the current nomination cycle.
This medal recognizes a federal employee who made extraordinary contributions under challenging circumstances to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic in areas ranging from public health and safety to the economy.
This medal recognizes a federal employee for a significant accomplishment in fields such as civil rights, cyber-security, emergency preparedness and response, border security, counter-terrorism, defense and military affairs, intelligence or diplomacy.
This medal recognizes a federal employee for demonstrating superior leadership and management excellence through a significant contribution to the nation that exemplifies efficient, effective and results-oriented government.
This medal recognizes a federal employee for a significant contribution to the nation in activities related to science and environment (including biomedicine, economics, energy, information technology, meteorology, resource conservation and space).