Meet the Sammies Honorees • Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals

Gregory Robinson

2022 Finalist

Management Excellence

Gregory Robinson

Oversaw the successful launch of NASA’s revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope after years of delays and billions of dollars in cost overruns, setting the stage for spectacular discoveries about the origins of the universe.

Barbara C. Morton

2022 Finalist

Management Excellence

Barbara C. Morton

Built trust and a customer-oriented culture among veterans and their families seeking services and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs by listening and responding to their needs.

Yolanda López

2022 Finalist

Management Excellence

Yolanda López

Guided Voice of America through a tumultuous period of political upheaval, restoring the integrity and independence of its news operations while providing strong support for the workforce.

Antonio Rios

2022 Finalist

Management Excellence

Antonio Rios

Instituted an innovative system that has reduced opioid addiction among federal employees receiving workers’ compensation benefits, while also streamlining and speeding up the process for filing claims.

Mark Reed, Valerie Hasberry, James Kaufmann

2022 Finalist

Management Excellence

Mark Reed, Valerie Hasberry, James Kaufmann

Led the cleanup, restoration and enhanced security of the U.S. Capitol Building and grounds following the violent attack on Jan. 6, 2021, ensuring that the work of Congress could continue and the presidential inauguration could take place two weeks later.

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

2021 Winner

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Guy Demeter

2018 Finalist

Management Excellence

Guy Demeter

Developed wide-ranging data management systems that enable FBI analysts to investigate criminal activity and identify threats more quickly

Ariel Gold

2018 Finalist

Management Excellence

Ariel Gold

Improved data-sharing to accelerate the adoption of new technologies that increase transportation safety and efficiency, including self-driving cars and vehicles that communicate with one another

Andy Neal and the NFIP Reinsurance Program Team

2018 Finalist

Management Excellence

Andy Neal and the NFIP Reinsurance Program Team

Persuaded private reinsurers for the first time to assume some flood damage liability, saving the National Flood Insurance Program $1 billion in claims in 2017

Courtney Lias, Stayce Beck and the FDA Artificial Pancreas Team

2017 Winner

Management Excellence

Courtney Lias, Stayce Beck and the FDA Artificial Pancreas Team

Paved the way for the first artificial pancreas device to receive FDA approval faster than expected, helping transform the lives of Americans with Type 1 diabetes

Brenda B. Smith and the Single Window Team

2017 Finalist

Management Excellence

Brenda B. Smith and the Single Window Team

Led the development and implementation of a single, electronic portal for exporters and importers to submit information on shipments that cross U.S. borders, saving government and businesses time and money

Thomas R. Davis and the Rental Assistance Demonstration Team

2017 Finalist

Management Excellence

Thomas R. Davis and the Rental Assistance Demonstration Team

Generated $3.9 billion in private investments that have been used to rebuild or renovate public housing to make it safe and affordable for tens of thousands of low-income individuals and families across the U.S.

Elizabeth Angerman and the Unified Shared Services Team

2017 Finalist

Management Excellence

Elizabeth Angerman and the Unified Shared Services Team

Created standards and methods for federal agencies to consolidate common administrative functions more easily, allowing government leaders to focus more of their time and resources on mission-related responsibilities

John Pilotte and Heather Grimsley

2017 Finalist

Management Excellence

John Pilotte and Heather Grimsley

Improved patient care and saved $1.3 billion through a new health care delivery system that compensates doctors and hospitals for the quality of medical outcomes as opposed to the quantity of patient services

Patricia Dehmer

2016 Finalist

Management Excellence

Patricia Dehmer

Transformed and expanded the Energy Department’s state-of-the-art research laboratories to meet our nation’s long-term energy needs, leading to breakthroughs in superconductivity, nanotechnology, X-ray imaging and more.

Kimya Lee and the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Team

2016 Finalist

Management Excellence

Kimya Lee and the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Team

Turned a government-wide survey into an effective tool for managers to better understand employee views of the workplace, providing critical data for leaders to improve employee engagement, satisfaction and performance.

William Gregory Burel

2016 Winner

Management Excellence

William Gregory Burel

Expertly manages the $7 billion national stockpile of emergency medicines and medical supplies, and has spearheaded 10 major and 30 other responses, from an influenza pandemic to the Ebola crisis.

Steven W. Zander

2015 Finalist

Management Excellence

Steven W. Zander

Developed innovative partnerships between Air Force bases and neighboring cities to save money on essential community services, from recreation activities to snow removal.

Edward J. Ramotowski and the Consular Affairs Team

2015 Finalist

Management Excellence

Edward J. Ramotowski and the Consular Affairs Team

Increased the number of foreign visitors to the U.S., boosted economic activity and created jobs by improving visa processing capacity and reducing interview wait times at embassies worldwide.

Edward C. Hugler

2015 Winner

Management Excellence

Edward C. Hugler

As the Labor Department’s “Mr. Fix-It,”solved numerous critical management challenges, including saving the agency’s financial management system after its service provider went bankrupt.

Susan S. Kelly and the DOD Transition to Veterans Program Office

2015 Finalist

Management Excellence

Susan S. Kelly and the DOD Transition to Veterans Program Office

Transformed and enhanced how the federal government annually prepares more than 200,000 service members for their transition to civilian life.

Kevin L. Hannes and the FEMA Operation Precious Cargo Team

2015 Finalist

Management Excellence

Kevin L. Hannes and the FEMA Operation Precious Cargo Team

Coordinated emergency assistance when tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors from Central America crossed the Southwest border, providing them food, shelter and medical care, and helping unite the children with family members.

Burke Healey and the Avian Influenza Emergency Response Team

2016 Finalist

Management Excellence

Burke Healey and the Avian Influenza Emergency Response Team

Halted the spread of the largest animal disease outbreak in U.S. history, an avian influenza virus that threatened human health, the poultry industry and the jobs of 1.8 million people.

Ronald E. Walters

2014 Finalist

Management Excellence

Ronald E. Walters

Honored our country’s veterans by delivering the pinnacle of care and service at their final resting place, while increasing availability and access to burial sites throughout the country.

Marion Mollegen McFadden and the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force

2014 Finalist

Management Excellence

Marion Mollegen McFadden and the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force

In the months following Hurricane Sandy, coordinated efforts of numerous federal agencies to help rebuild stronger and safer communities.

Sonny Hashmi

2014 Finalist

Management Excellence

Sonny Hashmi

Led the General Services Administration’s “Cloud Initiative,” improving employee effectiveness, reducing agency costs and creating a model for other federal agencies to follow.

Alan J. Lindenmoyer

2014 Winner

Management Excellence

Alan J. Lindenmoyer

Transformed NASA’s space travel programs, helping the U.S. continue important space research while reducing taxpayer costs and stimulating the commercial space industry.

Harry Haskins and the Team

2013 Finalist

Management Excellence

Harry Haskins and the Team

Revitalized a faltering small business investment program, putting billions of dollars in the hands of entrepreneurs who have created thousands of jobs since 2009.

Kevin T. Geiss

2013 Winner

Management Excellence

Kevin T. Geiss

Championed the safe use of alternative fuels to ensure energy independence for combat and support missions around the globe and reduced U.S. Air Force fuel and energy consumption, saving more than $1 billion in 2012 alone.

Claire Votaw

2013 Finalist

Management Excellence

Claire Votaw

Developed a shared IT network for American embassies and federal agencies operating overseas, saving money and reducing duplication.

Margaret Focarino and the Team

2013 Finalist

Management Excellence

Margaret Focarino and the Team

Led bold reforms that dramatically improved the speed and quality of patent examinations and approvals, helping incentivize new technologies and spur economic growth.

Elliot B. Branch

2012 Winner

Management Excellence

Elliot B. Branch

Through savvy acquisition and procurement, ensures our warfighters have the right equipment when they need it, at the best possible value for the American taxpayer.

Arleas Upton Kea

2012 Finalist

Management Excellence

Arleas Upton Kea

Simultaneously managed the critical tasks of doubling the FDIC’s workforce to respond to the nation’s financial crisis and overseeing a culture change initiative at the agency.

Alice Muellerweiss

2012 Finalist

Management Excellence

Alice Muellerweiss

Established a new unified approach to training and career development to help Department of Veterans Affairs’ employees nationwide more effectively meet the needs of the men and women who have served our country.

Danette Campbell

2012 Finalist

Management Excellence

Danette Campbell

Designed and leads the government’s most successful teleworking program that has saved millions of dollars, increased productivity and boosted employee job satisfaction and commitment.

Joseph Kennedy, Ray Decker and Hakeem Basheerud-Deen

2012 Finalist

Management Excellence

Joseph Kennedy, Ray Decker and Hakeem Basheerud-Deen

Successfully increased the number of veterans hired by the federal government by matching their skills with government careers.

Michael B. Smith

2011 Finalist

Management Excellence

Michael B. Smith

Saved U.S. taxpayers more than $750 million over three years by bringing together the buying power of 22 agencies and offices within the Department of Homeland Security.

Ann Marie Oliva

2011 Finalist

Management Excellence

Ann Marie Oliva

Created data systems that shortened the time it takes to award homeless grants, reduced administrative costs by 90 percent and provided information to better evaluate homeless programs.

Bill Guerin

2011 Finalist

Management Excellence

Bill Guerin

In only 18 months and $565 million under budget, obligated $5.5 billion in economic stimulus funding to construct new federal buildings and make existing ones more energy efficient and sustainment.

W. Todd Grams

2011 Winner

Management Excellence

W. Todd Grams

Led significant reforms that integrate and streamline agency operations, reducing costs and delivering better service to America’s veterans.