Honoree Archive • Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

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.

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.

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.

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

Donna F. Dodson

2020 Winner

Safety, Security and International Affairs

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.

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.

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

Satya Nadella

2020 Winner

Spirit of Service Award

Satya Nadella

CEO, Innovator, Technologist

Photo of Thomas Debass

Thomas Debass

2020 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

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.

Photo of Lina Alathari

Lina Alathari, Ph.D.

2020 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

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.

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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.

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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.

Photo of Monica Jacobsen

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.

Photo of Donna Shaver

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.

Photo of Chihoon Shin

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, Security and International Affairs

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.

Photo of Elizabeth Warner

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.

Photo of Nancy Sullivan

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.

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John M. Melle, María L. Pagán and Team

2020 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

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.

Photo of Matthew Eanes

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, Security and International Affairs

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.

Photo of Mark Braza

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.

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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. 

Photo of Claire Parkinson

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.

Photo of Cecilia Coates

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.

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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

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.

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.

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

Jamie Rhome

Jamie Rhome

2019 Winner

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Jamie Rhome

Created a new forecasting model and warning system that more accurately predicts the deadly storm surge caused by hurricanes, saving lives by alerting residents sooner of the approaching danger

Robert Cabana and the Kennedy Space Center Senior Management Team

Robert Cabana and the Kennedy Space Center Senior Management Team

2019 Winner

Management Excellence

Robert Cabana and the Kennedy Space Center Senior Management Team

Transformed the historic Kennedy Space Center into a globally distinguished, multiuser launch site for government and commercial space exploration, helping preserve our country’s leadership in this important field

Daniel B. Jernigan, M.D.

Daniel B. Jernigan, M.D.

2019 Winner

Science and Environment

Daniel B. Jernigan, M.D.

Led response efforts for dozens of disease crises, including Ebola, SARS and West Nile virus, while greatly improving our country’s ability to identify, prepare for and respond to inevitable flu pandemics

Michael R. Bloomberg

Michael R. Bloomberg

2019 Winner

Spirit of Service Award

Michael R. Bloomberg

Public Servant, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

John P. Wagner

John P. Wagner

2019 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

John P. Wagner

Implemented facial recognition systems that simplify and fortify airport security, helping travelers reach their destinations faster while stopping suspected terrorists and others attempting to enter and leave the U.S. using false documents

Kurt Yankaskas

Kurt Yankaskas

2019 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Kurt Yankaskas

Identified and implemented solutions to combat noise-induced hearing loss, which affects hundreds of thousands of sailors and Marines, and costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year in treatments for veterans

W. Marston Linehan, M.D.

W. Marston Linehan, M.D.

2019 Finalist

Science and Environment

W. Marston Linehan, M.D.

Discovered six different genetic origins of kidney cancer and provided the foundation for the development of targeted therapies that have saved thousands of lives

Osama El-Lissy

Osama El-Lissy

2019 Finalist

Management Excellence

Osama El-Lissy

Created a highly effective plan that led the United States to become the first and only country to eradicate the pink bollworm, saving cotton growers tens of millions of dollars annually

Shannon Sartin and Team

Shannon Sartin and Team

2019 Finalist

Management Excellence

Shannon Sartin and Team

Led the development of digital tools to make it easier for Medicare patients to access their electronic health records and for doctors to receive payment for the quality, not the quantity, of the care they provide

William K. Boyes, Ph.D

William K. Boyes, Ph.D

2019 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

William K. Boyes, Ph.D

Conducted important research on the harm that commonly used chemicals have on eyesight and the central nervous system, leading to new standards to protect the public from overexposure to these toxic substances

Emily Joy Haas, Ph.D.

Emily Joy Haas, Ph.D.

2019 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Emily Joy Haas, Ph.D.

Improved the health and safety of our nation’s mine workers by using behavioral science to influence the adoption of new technologies and practices that reduce their exposure to known hazards

Venkatachalam “Ram” Ramaswamy, Ph.D.

Venkatachalam “Ram” Ramaswamy, Ph.D.

2019 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Venkatachalam “Ram” Ramaswamy, Ph.D.

Developed a state-of-the-art modeling system to enhance understanding and prediction of global climate and provide earlier and more accurate forecasts of severe weather events, helping save lives and property

Paul Shute, Christopher Aragao and David Enright

Paul Shute, Christopher Aragao and David Enright

2019 Finalist

Management Excellence

Paul Shute, Christopher Aragao and David Enright

Dramatically cut the time and manpower needed to make decisions on service-related mental health claims for veterans, helping tens of thousands of individuals each year receive their benefits faster

Emily Banuelos and the Taxiway Tango Tiger Team

Emily Banuelos and the Taxiway Tango Tiger Team

2019 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Emily Banuelos and the Taxiway Tango Tiger Team

Designed and implemented enhanced surveillance technology that warns when commercial aircraft are lined up to land on a taxiway instead of the intended runway, averting the potential for catastrophic accidents

McMahan “Mac” Louis Gray

McMahan “Mac” Louis Gray

2019 Finalist

Science and Environment

McMahan “Mac” Louis Gray

Created a game-changing technology that removes carbon dioxide from power plant emissions and absorbs heavy metals, such as lead, from municipal water supplies

Michael G. Kozak

Michael G. Kozak

2019 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Michael G. Kozak

For nearly five decades, helped shape foreign policy to protect U.S. interests abroad and advance democracy and human rights around the world

Othmane Benafan, Ph.D.

Othmane Benafan, Ph.D.

2019 Finalist

Science and Environment

Othmane Benafan, Ph.D.

Advanced the science and use of a special alloy that returns to its original shape after being heated, leading to groundbreaking technologies that enable safer, more efficient aviation and space exploration

Arthur A. Allen

Arthur A. Allen

2019 Finalist

Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement

Arthur A. Allen

Pioneered and perfected a modeling program that predicts where people lost at sea will be found, cutting search and rescue times and saving thousands of lives during a 35-year career

Christina A. Neal and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Team

Christina A. Neal and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Team

2019 Finalist

Science and Environment

Christina A. Neal and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Team

Carefully monitored a large and sustained eruption of the Kīlauea Volcano in Hawaii and provided vital updates to protect residents, tourists and property from ash, lava and toxic fumes

James McWhirter, Mark W. Pletcher and the Navy Bribery Scandal Team

James McWhirter, Mark W. Pletcher and the Navy Bribery Scandal Team

2019 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

James McWhirter, Mark W. Pletcher and the Navy Bribery Scandal Team

Uncovered and prosecuted the largest bribery and corruption scandal in the history of the U.S. Navy, resulting in dozens of federal criminal convictions and sanctions against numerous Navy officers

Kara L. De Castro

Kara L. De Castro

2019 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Kara L. De Castro

Led pivotal international programs to convert weapons-grade nuclear materials for civilian use and enhanced security cultures to guard against their mishandling and misuse

Leticia Pibida, Ph.D.

Leticia Pibida, Ph.D.

2019 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Leticia Pibida, Ph.D.

Strengthened our nation’s defenses against nuclear and radioactive threats by developing performance standards and tests for detection systems that screen nearly 7 million cargo containers entering U.S. seaports every year

Kristen P. Finne

Kristen P. Finne

2019 Finalist

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Kristen P. Finne

Developed a system for first responders to quickly locate and assist 4.3 million Medicare beneficiaries who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment and are at risk during prolonged power outages

Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos

2018 Winner

Spirit of Service Award

Jeff Bezos

Built successful businesses that deliver everyday goods and services, advance space exploration and contribute to our national security and the public good, and launched large-scale philanthropic initiatives to help homeless families and improve educational opportunities in low-income communities

Karen D. Dodge, Margaret Moeser and the Teams

Karen D. Dodge, Margaret Moeser and the Teams

2018 Winner

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Karen D. Dodge, Margaret Moeser and the Teams

Brought justice and restored financial losses of nearly $600 million for hundreds of thousands of people who were defrauded by money transfer scams

Andrew M. Herscowitz and the Power Africa Team

Andrew M. Herscowitz and the Power Africa Team

2018 Winner

Safety, Security and International Affairs

Andrew M. Herscowitz and the Power Africa Team

Provided electricity to some 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, while creating hundreds of millions of dollars in export opportunities for U.S. companies

Margaret Honein, Ph.D.

Margaret Honein, Ph.D.

2018 Winner

Science and Environment

Margaret Honein, Ph.D.

Collected and analyzed critical data to help protect women and babies from the mosquito-borne Zika virus that was spreading rapidly in the U.S. and its territories

Marcella Jacobs and the VA Digital Service Team

Marcella Jacobs and the VA Digital Service Team

2018 Winner

Management Excellence

Marcella Jacobs and the VA Digital Service Team

Created online digital tools for veterans to more easily access benefits and services, delivering a high-quality and seamless user experience

Daniel L. Kastner, M.D., Ph.D.

Daniel L. Kastner, M.D., Ph.D.

2018 Winner

Federal Employee of the Year

Daniel L. Kastner, M.D., Ph.D.

Identified an entire new class of rare genetic diseases and treatments to alleviate suffering for thousands of patients in the U.S. and around the world