Excellence in Virginia Government Awards (EVGA) 2026
About the Awards
The Excellence in Virginia Government Awards, presented by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, is the school’s signature program recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership strengthens communities and advances the highest ideals of public service across the Commonwealth. Through this annual program, the Wilder School honors distinguished contributions across government, health, education and community service while supporting scholarships that help prepare the next generation of public service leaders.
2026 Event Details
- Wednesday, April 15
- Noon to 2 p.m.
- Omni Richmond Hotel, Richmond, Virginia
- The luncheon is open to the public. Registration is required and tickets are $85.
2026 Event Honorees
Lifetime Achievement Award (posthumous)
James M. “Jim” Holland — Longtime Chesterfield County leader recognized for decades of public service, economic development and community advancement.
Community Enhancement Award
Dr. Wally R. Smith — Physician-scientist advancing research, clinical care and long-term health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.
Grace E. Harris Leadership Award
Dr. Tamarah Holmes — Public-sector leader guiding a transformative statewide broadband expansion to strengthen opportunity and connectivity across Virginia.
Hill-Robinson Expansion of Freedom Award
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, Virginia — National leader honored for a sustained commitment to civil rights, constitutional governance and public service.
Public-Private Partnership Award
Virginia Early Childhood Foundation — Statewide intermediary advancing coordinated early childhood systems to improve outcomes for Virginia’s youngest residents.
Unsung Hero Award
Barbara Carter — Dedicated public servant whose work supports the accessibility and functioning of Virginia’s legislative process.
Televised Awards Special
Recipients will also be recognized during a televised awards special produced in partnership with WTVR CBS 6, airing Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. An encore presentation will air Sunday, May 3 at 11:35 p.m.
Support Future Public Service Leaders through Sponsorship
Proceeds support scholarships that help prepare the next generation of public servants. Organizations and partners committed to advancing excellence in public service are invited to support the Excellence in Virginia Government Awards.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities→
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact:
Stevan Dozier
Senior Director of Development
📧 doziers2@vcu.edu
Award Categories
- Community Enhancement Award
Recognizes efforts that have improved the quality of community life in Virginia. - Innovation in Government Award (Not awarded in 2026)
Honors creative reforms that increase efficiency, effectiveness, or service delivery. - Public-Private Partnership Award
Celebrates collaborations that yield measurable improvements for Virginians. - Hill-Robinson Expansion of Freedom Award
Acknowledges a sustained commitment to equal rights and justice. - Unsung Heroes Award
Recognizes exceptional career service by local or state government employees. - Grace E. Harris Leadership Award
Honors visionary public service that improves quality of life across the Commonwealth. - Lifetime Achievement Award
Celebrates an individual whose career exemplifies the highest values of public service.
From the 2025 Excellence in Virginia Government Awards
The 2025 Excellence in Virginia Government Awards recognized leaders across government, health, education and community service whose work strengthened communities and advanced the public good across Virginia. Highlights from the ceremony are available below.
>>VIDEO: View a playlist of all 2025 EVGA honorees
>>PHOTOS: View and download EVGA in photos
For questions regarding EVGA, please contact:
Pam Cox
Senior Special Projects and Communications Manager
L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
evga@vcu.edu
(804) 828-8520