Every day, public-service professionals and students throughout the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region work to strengthen their communities, improve the delivery of essential services, support residents, and develop innovative programs and initiatives to address complex challenges.  

Each year, the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA-GCC) recognizes these individuals, programs, and initiatives through its Outstanding Public Service Awards.

The annual Outstanding Public Service Awards recognize individuals, initiatives, and innovations that demonstrate excellence, leadership, and a meaningful commitment to serving the public.

Help Us Recognize Outstanding Public Service

We are currently accepting nominations for the 2026 edition of the Outstanding Public Service Awards through Tuesday, August 25 at 11:59 p.m.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION HERE: https://bit.ly/4b9Wrlh

Nominees may work in the field of public service, including in government, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or other related organizations within the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. Membership in ASPA is not required for either the nominee or the person submitting the nomination.

Please consider submitting one or more nominations of public-service professionals and/or initiatives in our region that deserve to be recognized.

Nominations are being accepted in seven categories:

Career Achievement

Recognizing an executive or leader who has made a positive and significant impact during their public service career of at least 25 years.

Individual Contributor/Mid-Careerist

Recognizing a manager or administrator who has made noteworthy contributions during their public service career of at least 15 years.

Young Professional/Early Careerist

Recognizing a government or non-profit professional who has demonstrated excellence in their public service career of five to 14 years.

Support Services

Recognizing an individual who provides administrative and other assistance that has been important in advancing the mission of a government agency or non-profit.

Student

Recognizing an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a public-service-related program in the Greater Cincinnati region who has demonstrated academic and/or professional excellence.

Public Service Initiative

Recognizing a program, partnership, or other initiative that furthers one or more of ASPA’s four core values, which are:

• Social Equity
• Accountability and Performance
• Professionalism
• Ethics

Public Service Innovation

Recognizing new, creative approaches to providing public services that produce significant cost savings while meeting or increasing the level of service provided.

SAVE THE DATE

Award recipients will be recognized during a FREE awards celebration:

When: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Where: SparkHaus (727 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY 41011)

The event will provide an opportunity to celebrate this year’s honorees, recognize and amplify the importance of public service, and connect with dedicated professionals and others who share a desire to positively impact the people, communities, and organizations of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.

Guests will also enjoy light bites and refreshments.

To RSVP for the awards celebration, ask questions, or request additional information, please contact Missy Gish at gishm@nku.edu.

We look forward to celebrating the outstanding people, programs, and initiatives that help make the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region a better place to live, work, and serve.