National Ray Walton Leadership Award

The National Ray Walton Leadership Award recognizes state Chief Administrators for their passion, outstanding service, leadership and commitment to state government.

The award was created to honor Ray Walton for his service and dedication to state government and to NASCA. Ray Walton served as the Executive Director for NASCA from February 2011 through February 2015 and the former Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Iowa Department of Administrative Services.

Nominations Open: The 2025 award nomination period is now open.

Submission deadline is August 1, 2025.

    • Nominees must currently serve as a state Chief Administrator (or equivalent) or left the position no more than 12 months ago.

    • All NASCA State Primary (Chief Administrators) AND Secondary (Department Staff) members are eligible to nominate a current state Chief Administrator (or equivalent). Deputies, staff, and governors are now eligible to submit a nomination.

    • Nominees for this award must be a current member of NASCA (i.e. the state).

    • Selection of the National Walton Leadership Award recipient is based on two major criteria:

      • Accomplishments in their state and/or in NASCA

      • Service and leadership during their career

    • The winner of this award will be selected by a NASCA awards sub-committee.

    • All nominations must be submitted via the Typeform link under “How to Nominate” below

    • All nomination packets must be formatted in Arial font, size 11, with single spacing and 1-inch margins on all sides.

    • Nomination packets must not exceed four pages, excluding this title page.

    • In addition to this submission packet, the Typeform survey will prompt you to upload:

      • A recent headshot of the nominee and a short biography (maximum 100 words).

      • Optional supporting materials such as visuals, images, examples, etc.

  • Step 1: Download and complete the Nomination Template here.

    Step 2: Submit your completed Nomination Form along with a headshot and 100-word bio of nominee using this link.

    Please note: Only complete submissions made through the link above will be considered.

Past Recipients

  • Raven A. DeVaughn

    2024

    Director, Illinois Department of Central Management Services

  • Christi Branscom

    2023

    Commissioner, Tennessee Department of General Services

  • Ellington E. Churchill, Jr.

    2022

    Secretary, Maryland Department of General Services

  • Joseph F. Damico

    2021

    Director, Virginia Department of General Services

  • Janel Forde

    2020

    Director, Illinois' Department of Central Management Services

  • Michael DiBiase

    2019

    Former Director, Rhode Island's Department of Administration

  • Bob Oglesby

    2018

    Former Commissioner, Tennessee's Department of General Services Description goes here

  • Chris Liu

    2017

    Former Director, Washington's Department of Enterprise Services

  • Doug Nelson

    2016

    Former Commissioner, Missouri's Office of Administration

  • Richard Sliwoski

    2015

    Former Director, Virginia's Department of General Services