Honoree Archive • Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals

Anne Schuchat, M.D.

2021 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Anne Schuchat, M.D.

As one of the nation’s leading infectious disease experts, has led numerous high-profile and consequential disease outbreak investigations to protect public health and save countless lives.

Michelle Daniels, Charles D. Eldridge, Ryan E. Jones and the Office of Public and Indian Housing Foster Youth to Independence team

2021 Finalist

Management Excellence

Michelle Daniels, Charles D. Eldridge, Ryan E. Jones and the Office of Public and Indian Housing Foster Youth to Independence team

Created an innovative program offering housing assistance and social services to young people aging out of foster care to prevent them from becoming homeless and to provide an opportunity for self-sufficiency.

Brigitte C. Widemann, M.D. and team

2021 Finalist

Science and Environment

Brigitte C. Widemann, M.D. and team

Developed a breakthrough medical treatment for children with inoperable tumors that cause disabling pain, disfigurement, blindness and motor dysfunction.

Chong Le

2021 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Chong Le

Oversaw the development of a $1 billion Air Force satellite system that will enable prediction of major weather events and natural disasters, providing military leaders and civilian authorities with information needed to make crucial, life-saving decisions.

Edward Sisco, Ph.D.

2021 Finalist

Emerging Leaders

Edward Sisco, Ph.D.

Devised a new method for crime laboratories to identify opioids and other drugs more quickly and safely, providing critical information to law enforcement while protecting lab employees from dangerous substances.

Kizzmekia S. Corbett, Ph.D., Barney S. Graham, M.D., Ph.D.

2021 Finalist

COVID-19 Response

Kizzmekia S. Corbett, Ph.D., Barney S. Graham, M.D., Ph.D.

Conducted groundbreaking research that led to the development of highly effective vaccines in record time that are protecting hundreds of millions of people from contracting the deadly coronavirus that swept across the globe in 2020 and 2021.

Lori Vislocky

2021 Finalist

Emerging Leaders

Lori Vislocky

Developed and implemented a new system that enables authorities to quickly identify foreigners who pose a threat to national security or public safety before they travel to the United States.

Gregory M. Ruiz, Ph.D.

2021 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Gregory M. Ruiz, Ph.D.

Played a major role over three decades highlighting the environmental harm caused by the marine transport of invasive species, resulting in a federal reporting system, enforcement policies and improved shipboard management practices.

David L. Boucher, Ph.D., John Lee, Ph.D., Daniel Wolfe, Ph.D. and the Ebola Medical Countermeasures Task Force

2021 Finalist

Science and Environment

David L. Boucher, Ph.D., John Lee, Ph.D., Daniel Wolfe, Ph.D. and the Ebola Medical Countermeasures Task Force

Oversaw the research and development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tests that have been used to halt the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in Africa and avert the possibility of a pandemic.

Evan R. Kwerel, Ph.D.

2021 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Evan R. Kwerel, Ph.D.

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.

C. Mark Eakin, Ph.D.

2021 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

C. Mark Eakin, Ph.D.

Led the development of a satellite-based monitoring system that provides accurate forecasts and early warnings to environmental officials worldwide at a time when rising ocean temperatures threaten the health of coral reefs.

Gary H. Gibbons, M.D., Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D.

2021 Finalist

COVID-19 Response

Gary H. Gibbons, M.D., Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D.

Developed and implemented federal programs to increase testing as well as participation in COVID-19 treatment and vaccine trials in underserved communities across the country.

Ian Brownlee and the Interagency COVID Repatriation team

2021 Finalist

COVID-19 Response

Ian Brownlee and the Interagency COVID Repatriation team

Created and managed a State Department-led task force that repatriated more than 100,000 Americans who were stranded in countries all over the world when borders were closed and airports shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jay Barlow, Ph.D.

2021 Finalist

Science and Environment

Jay Barlow, Ph.D.

Played an influential national role in monitoring and managing marine mammals by creating new survey methods and technology to protect and save the lives of whales, dolphins and other species.

Kenneth Graham

2021 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Kenneth Graham

Coordinated the national response to the most active hurricane season on record during the coronavirus pandemic, leading to a 100% evacuation rate in the hardest–hit area during Hurricane Laura, the strongest U.S. landfall in 2020 season.

Mary Frances Matthews

2021 Finalist

Management Excellence

Mary Frances Matthews

Reduced the lengthy backlog of disability appeals for veterans by 87% in two years, providing long-awaited decisions on benefits to thousands of individuals.

Adam Jacoff and the Emergency Response Robotics team

2021 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Adam Jacoff and the Emergency Response Robotics team

Developed sophisticated testing standards to ensure ground, underwater and aerial robots have the capability to help emergency responders and the military handle disasters and other dangerous situations.

Ana B. Hinojosa, Eric Choy and team

2021 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Ana B. Hinojosa, Eric Choy and team

Directed enforcement actions against companies seeking to import goods produced by forced labor in China and other countries as part of a broader human rights effort to curb modern–day slavery.

Mary D. Gibert

2021 Finalist

Management Excellence

Mary D. Gibert

Successfully coordinated the federal assistance effort for the 2020–21 presidential transition in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and a disputed election.

Paul Friday

2021 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Paul Friday

During six decades of federal service, invented, engineered and implemented systems that enabled the Census Bureau to more accurately tabulate and analyze data on paper census forms, speeding the process and saving millions of dollars.

Callie I. Higgins, Ph.D.

2021 Finalist

Emerging Leaders

Callie I. Higgins, Ph.D.

Invented a groundbreaking technology to detect and remedy microscopic flaws that threaten the safety and reliability of 3D–printed products, potentially revolutionizing the medical, plastics, coatings, optics and additive manufacturing fields.

Gary Washington

2021 Finalist

Management Excellence

Gary Washington

Led a technology transformation at the Department of Agriculture, dramatically increasing efficiency, productivity and security, and improving service to the public.

Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D.

2021 Finalist

COVID-19 Response

Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D.

Laid the groundwork for strict scientific regulatory standards used for the rapid development, testing and approval of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines amid a deadly, once-in-a-century pandemic.

Reem M. Ghandour, DrPH

2021 Finalist

Science and Environment

Reem M. Ghandour, DrPH

Transformed and revitalized a national survey on children’s physical, emotional and developmental health, providing timely and insightful data to state and federal policymakers.

Sherry Hunt, Ph.D. and the Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit

2021 Finalist

Science and Environment

Sherry Hunt, Ph.D. and the Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit

Pioneered critically needed design techniques to rehabilitate and strengthen thousands of aging dams across the United States, limiting potential failures that could lead to the loss of life and property.

Stephen G. Jurczyk

2021 Finalist

Management Excellence

Stephen G. Jurczyk

Oversaw the landing of a rover on Mars, two successful U.S. astronaut flights to the International Space Station and the planning to put the first woman and first person of color on the moon while leading NASA through the pandemic.

Virginia K. Busby, Dianne Garibotto, Camille Privett and the Economic Impact Payment team

2021 Finalist

COVID-19 Response

Virginia K. Busby, Dianne Garibotto, Camille Privett and the Economic Impact Payment team

Expertly orchestrated the disbursement of hundreds of billions of dollars to tens of millions of people adversely affected by the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

William Hart-Cooper, Ph.D.

2021 Finalist

Emerging Leaders

William Hart-Cooper, Ph.D.

Created novel formulations for disinfectants and packaging that break down into harmless substances after use, protecting human health and reducing environmental pollution.

Zack Schwartz and the Census Bureau Trust & Safety team

2021 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Zack Schwartz and the Census Bureau Trust & Safety team

Led the first-of-its-kind government team that worked with technology companies to combat misinformation and disinformation that threatened the integrity of the 2020 census.

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

2020 Winner

Federal Employee of the Year

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

Served as the government’s premier expert and spokesperson on infectious diseases during six presidencies, including taking a prominent role in seeking to protect the public from the highly contagious and deadly new coronavirus that swept through the country and the world in 2020.

Ira Pastan, M.D.

2020 Winner

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Ira Pastan, M.D.

Discovered a new class of drugs that can successfully treat a rare form of leukemia and hold promise to be effective therapies for pancreatic and lung cancer as well as mesothelioma.

Beth Ripley, M.D., Ph.D.

2020 Winner

Science and Environment

Beth Ripley, M.D., Ph.D.

Created an interconnected, hospital-based 3D printing network that is assisting health care providers with medical procedures, reducing unnecessary surgeries and helping improve quality of life for veterans.

Neil C. Evans, M.D., Kathleen L. Frisbee, Ph.D., Kevin Galpin, M.D.

2020 Winner

Management Excellence

Neil C. Evans, M.D., Kathleen L. Frisbee, Ph.D., Kevin Galpin, M.D.

Developed vital telehealth options, mobile apps and digital services for veterans to receive health care virtually, while removing barriers to implementation through policy, regulatory and administrative changes.

Donna F. Dodson

2020 Winner

Safety

Donna F. Dodson

Recognized as one of the nation’s premier cybersecurity experts, having helped develop the first commercially available encryption standards as well as state-of-the-art guidelines for government and industry to prevent, detect and respond to cyberattacks.

Vikram Krishnasamy, M.D.

2020 Winner

Emerging Leaders

Vikram Krishnasamy, M.D.

Established a training program and communications network to help local public health officials deal with the opioid epidemic, including coordinating outreach to patients when law enforcement arrested medical professionals for illegal conduct.

Corvelli A. McDaniel, Lorraine Cole, Ph.D.

2020 Winner

People's Choice Award

Corvelli A. McDaniel, Lorraine Cole, Ph.D.

Created an innovative program for large commercial financial institutions to provide management and technical assistance to help small and minority-owned banks strengthen their balance sheets and better serve low-income communities.

Satya Nadella

2020 Winner

Spirit of Service Award

Satya Nadella

CEO, Innovator, Technologist

Thomas Debass

2020 Finalist

Safety

Thomas Debass

Created public-private partnerships to advance America’s foreign policy interests while promoting economic growth and entrepreneurship in developing nations across the globe.

Lina Alathari, Ph.D.

2020 Finalist

Safety

Lina Alathari, Ph.D.

Developed threat assessment guidelines and worked with law enforcement, educators and local communities to intervene and prevent possible mass shootings in schools, workplaces and public spaces.

J. Christopher Mihm

2020 Finalist

Management Excellence

J. Christopher Mihm

Provided Congress and the executive branch with nonpartisan, fact-based information and recommendations to curb tens of billions of dollars in fraud, waste and abuse, and improve federal agency performance.

David E. Gray

2020 Finalist

Management Excellence

David E. Gray

Expertly managed the government’s transition of the National Airspace System from ground-based radar to satellite tracking of aircraft, making flying safer and more efficient.

Monica Ager Jacobsen

2020 Finalist

Emerging Leaders

Monica Ager Jacobsen

Played a crucial behind-the-scenes role shaping the complex legal and policy issues involved in imposing sanctions against dozens of human rights abusers worldwide.

Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D.

2020 Finalist

Science and Environment

Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D.

Championed the conservation and recovery efforts for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, helping save the species from extinction by protecting and preserving the nests at Padre Island National Seashore.

Photo of Andrew Laurence and Shannon Ferguson

Andrew Laurence, Ph.D., Shannon Ferguson, Ph.D.

2020 Finalist

Emerging Leaders

Andrew Laurence, Ph.D., Shannon Ferguson, Ph.D.

Provided critical information to help law enforcement solve hundreds of drug smuggling cases and other crimes by analyzing microscopic pollen grains to determine where drugs were produced, and the routes taken, as well as the travel histories of crime victims.

Chihoon Shin

2020 Finalist

Emerging Leaders

Chihoon Shin

Recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on helicopter safety, having investigated numerous crashes and made important recommendations to prevent future mishaps and save lives.

Photo of Chris Jancsewski, Zia Faruqui and Kimberly Reece

Christopher M. Janczewski, Zia M. Faruqui, Kimberly A. Reece and the W2V Team

2020 Finalist

Safety

Christopher M. Janczewski, Zia M. Faruqui, Kimberly A. Reece and the W2V Team

Led an international criminal investigation of the largest dark web child pornography site that accepted cryptocurrency to cloak more than one million video downloads, resulting in the arrest of the operator, more than 330 users and the rescue of 25 exploited children.

Elizabeth J. Warner, Ph.D.

2020 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Elizabeth J. Warner, Ph.D.

Engaged in groundbreaking, evidence-based research for two decades that has led to the adoption of new K-12 teacher training and recruiting practices, improving instruction for students in disadvantaged communities and throughout the nation.

Nancy J. Sullivan, Ph.D.

2020 Finalist

Science and Environment

Nancy J. Sullivan, Ph.D.

Developed a highly effective medication for the deadly Ebola virus now awaiting federal approval, providing the ability to treat patients with this highly contagious disease that has ravaged African countries.

John M. Melle, María L. Pagán and team

2020 Finalist

Safety

John M. Melle, María L. Pagán and team

Coordinated complex negotiations with Mexico and Canada, resulting in a $1.3 trillion trade agreement overwhelmingly approved by Congress that touches almost every aspect of the U.S. economy.

Photo of John Tisdale and Griffin Rodgers

John F. Tisdale, M.D., Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D. and the Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics team

2020 Finalist

Science and Environment

John F. Tisdale, M.D., Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D. and the Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics team

Pioneered innovative research that could lead to a cure for sickle cell disease, an illness that affects more than 20 million people worldwide.

Matthew C. Eanes

2020 Finalist

Management Excellence

Matthew C. Eanes

Helped lead the government’s efforts to shrink the enormous backlog of federal background investigations and designed the most comprehensive reform of the process in 60 years.

Photo of Thomas Prevoznik, Joseph Beemsterboer and Gary Cantrell

Thomas W. Prevoznik, Joseph Beemsterboer, Gary Cantrell and the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force team

2020 Finalist

Safety

Thomas W. Prevoznik, Joseph Beemsterboer, Gary Cantrell and the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force team

Investigated and arrested 73 health care professionals and other individuals in six states for the unlawful distribution of 40 million medically unnecessary pain pills, helping address the deadly nationwide opioid epidemic.

Mark Andrew Braza and the Aircraft Carrier Refueling Complex Overhaul Cost Reduction Team

2020 Finalist

Emerging Leaders

Mark Andrew Braza and the Aircraft Carrier Refueling Complex Overhaul Cost Reduction Team

Led the planning and contracting for the multibillion-dollar overhaul of the USS John C. Stennis, saving tens of millions of dollars and ensuring the nuclear aircraft carrier will play a critical national security role for the next 25 years.

Peter A. Briss, M.D. and the 2019 Lung Injury Response team

2020 Finalist

Science and Environment

Peter A. Briss, M.D. and the 2019 Lung Injury Response team

Identified the chemical compound in vaping products that caused life-threatening lung injuries among young adults, communicating the danger to public health and saving lives. 

Claire L. Parkinson, Ph.D.

2020 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Claire L. Parkinson, Ph.D.

Conducted cutting-edge scientific research over four decades documenting changes in the ice covers in the Arctic and Antarctic oceans and how they have played a significant role in climate change and adversely affected animal life.

Cecilia M. Coates

2020 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Cecilia M. Coates

Created and runs a state-of-the-art global supply chain management system that provides $10 billion worth of goods and services every year to diplomats and other federal employees serving the United States overseas.

Jon Michael Seward

2020 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Jon Michael Seward

Successfully brought lawsuits for nearly 30 years against banks to ensure that tens of thousands of people living in underserved and minority communities could gain access to credit.

Victoria Brahm

2019 Winner

Federal Employee of the Year

Victoria Brahm

Restored the quality and safety of a broken health care center for veterans that had become notorious for unsafe medical practices, excessive opioid use and a toxic work environment

Ann McKee, M.D.

2019 Winner

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Ann McKee, M.D.

Revolutionized scientific research and our understanding of the long-term effects of concussions, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy, in veterans and athletes

Ryan Shelby, Ph.D.

2019 Winner

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Ryan Shelby, Ph.D.

Provided vital training and resources to help people in Haiti rebuild thousands of homes and roofs ripped apart by a Category 4 hurricane, making the structures safer and stronger to withstand future disasters