NASCA 20 Under 40 Awards

NASCA is proud to celebrate the next generation of leaders in state government with the NASCA 20 Under 40 Awards.

This prestigious program recognizes 20 outstanding individuals from across the country for their exceptional contributions to state government.

Please note that nominations can be submitted by Governors and CAOs for State Member nominees, and C-Suite Level Executives for Corporate Partner nominees. The Awards Ceremonies take place at the NASCA Annual Leadership Conferences.

2026 Nominations Have Closed! Congratulations to all Winners!

Click Here to Read About Our 2026 Award Winners

    • Nominees do not have to be members of NASCA.

    • Individuals holding positions in state government may be nominated by Governors or CAOs.

    • Individuals holding private sector positions can be nominated by C-Suite level executives.

    • All winners must attend the awards ceremony at the 2026 Annual Leadership Conference.

2026 Recipients

  • Leigh Appleby

    Connecticut

    Director of Communications, Department of Administrative Services

  • Chris Bahm

    Louisiana

    Undersecretary, Department of Children and Family Services

  • Cara Connors

    Wisconsin

    Legislative Advisor, Department of Administration

  • Deanna Ewart

    New York

    Chief of Staff, New York State Office of General Services

  • Sam Flynn

    Kentucky

    Special Advisor and Deputy General Counsel, Commonwealth of Kentucky

  • Morgan Gruebele

    South Dakota

    Director, Executive Management Finance Office, Bureau of Finance and Management

  • Hanna Hall

    Idaho

    Administrator, State Controllers Office

  • Jomy Jacob

    Illinois

    Chicago North Loop Facilities Manager, Department of Central Management Services

  • Cynthia Johnson

    Illinois

    Deputy Director, Central Management Services

  • Andy Kidd

    Tennessee

    Commissioner, Department of General Services

  • Lauren Kilmer

    Partnership for Public Service

    Vice President for Public Service Leadership

  • Jacob Loomis

    Arkansas

    State GIS Analyst, Geographic Information Systems Office

  • Nick Merlino

    Delaware

    Principal Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor

  • John Owens

    Arizona

    Chief Strategy Officer, Department of Administration

  • Matt Oyer

    National Association of State Procurement Officials

    Chief Learning Officer

  • Grace Peck

    Arkansas

    Security Analyst, Cyber Security

  • Michelle Potts

    Nebraska

    Chief Procurement Officer and General Counsel, Department of Administrative Services

  • Dhanraj Singh

    New York

    Chief Procurement Officer, State Office of General Services

  • David Steuber

    Arizona

    State Procurement Administrator, Department of Administration

  • Manny Welsh

    Maryland

    Principal Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Governor Wes Moore

2025 Recipients

  • Jared Ambrosier

    Michigan

    Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Technology, Management and Budget

  • Steven Booth

    Illinois

    Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Central Management Services

  • Hallie Brown

    New Mexico

    Deputy Director of the Infrastructure Planning and Development Division, Department of Finance and Administration

  • Brittany Clark

    Illinois

    Statewide Recruitment Manager, Illinois Department of Central Management Services

  • Autumn Turner Cole

    Georgia

    Assistant Commissioner of Government Affairs and General Counsel, Department of Administrative Services

  • Kristine Day

    South Dakota

    Deputy State Engineer

  • Jennifer Elkins

    Arkansas

    Legal Counsel, Office of Personnel Management

  • Diana Maas

    Wisconsin

    Assistant Deputy Secretary, Department of Administration

  • Patrick Nolan

    Illinois

    Chief of Staff, Department of Central Management Services

  • Trey Norris

    Tennessee

    Executive Director of Administration, Department of General Services

  • Jamie Rodgers

    Accenture

    Strategist, Health & Public Service

  • Kelly Rogers

    Accenture

    Chief of Staff, Global Health and Public Service

  • John Schrader

    Florida

    Chief of Staff, Department of Management Services

  • Heather Velasquez

    Colorado

    Deputy Director of Administration, Department of Personnel & Administration

  • Samantha Willis

    West Virginia

    Director and General Counsel, State Purchasing Division

  • Courtney Iversen

    National Association of State Procurement Officials

    Deputy Chief Strategy Officer

  • Daniel Kruger

    National Association of State Procurement Officials

    Chief Strategy Officer

  • Marc Held

    Ernst & Young

    Managing Director

  • Coulter Minix

    Kentucky

    Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office

  • Fagan Harris

    Maryland

    Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office