Every day, federal employees meet pressing public needs—developing medical treatments, defending our national security, supporting underserved communities, caring for our veterans, protecting the environment and more.
Yet for many Americans, this vital work remains a mystery. They notice government when it fails, but not when it succeeds.
We shed light on these untold success stories, recognizing the anonymous public servants who drive government’s most significant accomplishments and work tirelessly to protect our health, safety and well-being. In so doing, we build public trust in government and underscore the critical role it plays in our democracy.
Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals®
For more than 20 years, the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals® have been the premier awards program recognizing innovation and leadership in the federal government. Considered the “Oscars” of government service, the Sammies highlight the myriad ways our government improves our daily lives and moves our country forward.
Since its inception in 2001, the Sammies have honored more than 760 public servants for their accomplishments.
Each year, the Partnership helps people and organizations across the country recognize the important work of public servants, the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees.
Public Service Recognition Week 2024 was observed from May 5-May 11, 2024. Visit our site for resources, event recaps, videos and more.
“Profiles in Public Service” tells stories about unsung public servants who drive government’s most important accomplishments. Our guests include federal employees and those who benefit from their leadership to demonstrate what federal services and support mean for communities across America.
The Partnership for Public Service is accepting nominations for the 2025 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals® program, the premier awards ceremony for career federal employees. Why nominate? The backbone of our federal government is the more than 2 million career employees who work across the country to serve the public. Yet for many Americans, this vital work remains…
On Sept. 11, the 23rd annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals® gala took place in Washington, D.C., to honor exceptional public servants who are dedicated to serving our nation. At the gala, the Partnership presented its 2024 Spirit of Service Award to the co-founders of “A Starting Point,” Chris Evans, Mark Kassen and…
Although they often go unnoticed, public servants are the heartbeat of our nation. That was the message conveyed at “Honoring Public Service: The Untold Stories,” an event hosted by The Washington Post to mark the launch of its new series spearheaded by best-selling author Michael Lewis. “Who Is Government?” serves as a reminder to understand…
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Partnership or Public Service hosted the 23rd annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals® at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. This year’s ceremony—livestreamed through Cox Media’s YurView platform—recognized 25 outstanding individuals and teams working in 20 different agencies and subcomponents. Fittingly, the…
The Partnership for Public Service’s 2024 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals®—often called the “Sammies”—celebrates exceptional public servants who keep our nation running. This year, we showcased some of our 2024 finalists in the “Sammies Virtual Series,” a four-part LinkedIn Live event featuring several Service to America Medals nominees. Improving the customer experience First, we…
WASHINGTON – Partnership for Public Service President and CEO Max Stier released the following statement today following the passing of President Jimmy Carter. “On the day of his passing, the Partnership for Public Service reflects on President Jimmy Carter and his lifetime of public service. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter, a lifetime…
WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier on the nomination of Scott Kupor to lead the Office of Personnel Management: “The Office of Personnel Management is critically important to building a high-functioning federal workforce and supporting our nation’s two million career civil servants…
The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier on passage of legislation that keeps the federal government open and funded into March 2025: “I am pleased to see Congress fulfill its duties to fund the government, so that Americans can continue to receive the services…
The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier on the threat of a government shutdown if congressional leaders cannot reach agreement by midnight on Dec. 20 to extend government funding: “Congress must find a way to resolve their differences and keep the federal government open….
The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier on the announcement that FBI Director Christopher Wray will resign by Jan. 20: “An independent FBI acting with integrity and without political influence is vitally important to the security of our nation. This is one of the…
