NASCA Press Release: David Steuber 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: Elizabeth Thorson Selected as Awards Committee Chair

Phoenix, AZ — The National Association of State Chief Administrators is proud to announce David Steuber, State Procurement Administrator at the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), 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 State Procurement Administrator at the ADOA, Steuber addresses and solves enterprise problems through procurement-based solutions. He oversees contracting and purchasing activities across Arizona, ensuring processes are consistent, compliant, and effective. Steuber prioritizes professional development and strives to place procurement at the forefront of operational issues, including forging a partnership with Arizona State University to support making supply-chain management a ‘real world’ skill for students.

As Arizona embarks on an ambitious plan to identify efficiencies under Governor Katie Hobbs – seeking to save $100M over three years – David and his procurement team are at the forefront of the strategy and implementation of many of these concepts, including contract consolidations, seeking better bulk-purchasing rates from suppliers, renegotiating contracts where it makes sense, and supporting agency efforts to move into alignment on items like the model of laptops issued to employees. David has committed to the realization of $40M of the savings sought by the governor.

Upon nominating Steuber, ADOA Director Elizabeth Thorson applauded his leadership and promising future in public service.

“David has a long professional runway ahead. His trajectory indicates a future filled with admired leadership, operational excellence and a commitment to the best of what makes public service such an admirable pursuit.”

Dan Kruger, NASCA 20 Under 40 Alumni and Chief Strategy Officer at the National Association of State Procurement Officials, also nominated Steuber and emphasized his impact on procurement in Arizona and commitment to public service.

“What really sets David apart is his approachability and consistency. He works well with others, listens, and focuses on getting to solutions that make sense. He leads with integrity and keeps things grounded, even in complex situations.”

Kruger continued, “David’s impact on procurement in Arizona is clear, and his commitment to public service is evident in everything he does. He is incredibly deserving of recognition through NASCA’s 20 Under 40 Award.”

From strengthening procurement strategy to delivering measurable financial savings for Arizona, Steuber’s achievements reflect the qualities recognized by the NASCA 20 Under 40 Award. NASCA celebrates his selection as a 20 Under 40 recipient, and we look forward to his 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.