NASCA Press Release: Cara Connors Announced as 2026 20 Under 40 Award Winner

For Immediate Release
May 14, 2026

Contact: Elizabeth Whitehouse, Executive Director, executivedirector@nasca.org

NASCA Press Release: Cara Connors Announced as 2026 20 Under 40 Award Winner

Madison, WI — The National Association of State Chief Administrators is proud to announce Cara Connors, Legislative Advisor at the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), as a 2026 NASCA 20 Under 40 Award recipient.

The NASCA 20 Under 40 Award recognizes 20 exceptional young leaders from across the country who are making significant contributions to state government. Our 2026 honorees represent the very best of public service – exemplifying innovation, collaboration, and a dedication to improving the lives of those they serve every single day.

As a Legislative Advisor at the DOA, Connors works closely with the Governor’s Office, legislative leaders, and other state agencies to advance major initiatives that affect communities across Wisconsin. Connors is heavily involved with the state’s biennial budget process, analyzing complex proposals, anticipating legislative questions, and coordinating responses across divisions to ensure agency priorities are clearly communicated and effectively represented.

Connors played a key role in the inaugural Grants for Local Projects (Non-State Grant) Program, in which Governor Evers announced $50 million to support community development and infrastructure improvement projects across the state. The success of that program led the legislature to extend funding for an additional grant cycle in the 2025-27 Biennial Budget.

Upon nominating Connors, DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld applauded her leadership style and problem-solving skills.

“What distinguishes Cara is not only her policy expertise but also her collaborative leadership style. She approaches challenges with curiosity, asking thoughtful and critical questions that help shape effective program and policy implementation.”

Blumenfeld continued, “Her ability to translate complicated policy issues into clear guidance and bring together diverse perspectives has made her an invaluable member of our team and a rising leader in Wisconsin State Government.”

A proactive and innovative leader, Connor's dedication to public service exemplifies the qualities recognized by the NASCA 20 Under 40 Award. NASCA celebrates her selection as a 20 Under 40 recipient, and we look forward to her continued work advancing excellence in state government operations.

Founded in 1976, NASCA is the nation’s only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving chief administrative officers or CAOs. NASCA provides a forum for state chief administrative officers to exchange information and learn new ideas from each other and private sector partners. NASCA engages states in transforming government operations through shared knowledge, operational excellence, and thought leadership.

For more information on NASCA, please visit NASCA.org.