NASCA Press Release: Michelle Potts 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: Michelle Potts Announced as 2026 20 Under 40 Award Winner

Lincoln, NE — The National Association of State Chief Administrators is proud to announce Michelle Potts, Chief Procurement Officer and General Counsel at the Nebraska 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 Chief Procurement Officer and General Counsel at DAS, Potts oversees procurement operations while providing critical legal guidance that strengthens compliance, mitigates risk, and supports sound decision-making across the agency. Her ability to bridge procurement, legal, and financial expertise allows her to approach complex challenges with both strategic insight and practical solutions that deliver value for the state.

Potts joined DAS in 2020, quickly advancing from Contracts Manager to leading the construction team while serving as Deputy Administrator – and later Administrator – of the State Building Division. She also led the 309 Task Force, demonstrating her ability to manage high-impact initiatives while balancing competing priorities. Even after stepping away briefly to serve as a criminal prosecutor, Michelle returned to public service with an expanded perspective and immediately stepped into executive leadership as Chief Procurement Officer.

Upon nominating Potts, Dan Kruger, NASCA 20 Under 40 Alumni and Chief Strategy Officer at the National Association of State Procurement Officials, commended her leadership style and commitment to excellence in state government operations.

“Michelle leads with integrity, accountability, and a clear commitment to excellence. She has strengthened procurement operations, elevated legal oversight, and contributed to more efficient and compliant government practices.”

Kruger continued, “Her impact is both immediate and long-lasting, making her an exceptional candidate for NASCA’s 20 Under 40 recognition.”

Potts’ dedication to public service and extensive expertise in both law and finance make her an ideal candidate for the NASCA 20 Under 40 Award. NASCA celebrates her 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.