NASCA Press Release: Leigh Appleby 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: Leigh Appleby Announced as 2026 20 Under 40 Award Winner

Hartford, CT — The National Association of State Chief Administrators is proud to announce Leigh Appleby, Communications Director at the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), 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 Communications Director at DAS, Appleby serves as the agency’s digital accessibility lead, ensuring Connecticut meets the federal mandate requiring all state websites and related content to be fully accessible. He has coordinated cross-functional teams, reviewed thousands of webpages and documents, and guided the adoption of evolving accessibility standards. His work ensures equitable access to government services and reflects a deep commitment to accountability and public service.

Appleby has led and supported major statewide initiatives, including the successful rollout of fleet safety training and a communications program helping over 200 school districts and stakeholders better understand Connecticut’s complex, billion-dollar construction grant initiative. He manages media inquiries and freedom of information requests with speed, accuracy, and composure, often navigating complex or high-pressure situations while maintaining the agency’s credibility.

DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman applauded Appleby’s proactive approach to communications and ability to break down complex issues for public audiences.

“Leigh Appleby is an exceptional communications leader whose work has significantly strengthened the effectiveness, transparency, and public reach of the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS)—the operational backbone of state government. His leadership, initiative, and professionalism consistently elevate both the agency’s performance and its ability to serve residents.”

Gilman continued, “His forward-thinking approach—particularly his focus on leveraging digital platforms to ‘feed the algorithm’—ensures that positive, informative government stories reach broader audiences.”

Alongside his work at DAS, Appleby is inspiring the next generation of leaders as an Adjunct Professor at Central Connecticut State University. From leading accessibility efforts to expanding public reach, Appleby’s impact makes him a deserving recipient of 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.