Left to right, front to back: Susan T. Gooden, Governor L. Douglas Wilder, Eva Teig Hardy, Rev. Tyler C. Millner Sr., Robert David Sr., Mark Greenough, and Dr. Tammy Mann.

  

Excellence in Virginia Government Awards (EVGA) 2026

Nominations Now Open
Help us celebrate the people and programs transforming the Commonwealth.

👉 Submit a Nomination
🗓️ Deadline: Monday, September 15

For questions about the nomination process, please contact:
Pam Cox, Senior Special Projects and Communications Manager
📧 evga@vcu.edu | 📞 (804) 828-8520

About the Awards

Now in its 18th year, the Excellence in Virginia Government Awards recognize outstanding public service at all levels—honoring both the trailblazers shaping policy and the unsung heroes powering our communities. Hosted by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU, the ceremony also raises scholarship support for the next generation of public service leaders.

All awards will be presented at the EVGA Awards Ceremony and Luncheon which will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

“These awards recognize outstanding work at all levels of government in Virginia and honor dedicated public service, innovative approaches, and commitment to excellence.”
— Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., Dean, Wilder School

Award Categories

• Community Enhancement Award
  Recognizes efforts that have improved the quality of community life in Virginia.
• Innovation in Government Award
  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.

EVGA 2025

From trailblazers to behind-the-scenes heroes, the Excellence in Virginia Government Awards honors those whose dedication to public service is transforming the Commonwealth.

>>VIDEO: View a playlist of all 2025 EVGA honorees

>>PHOTOS: View and download EVGA in photos

>>EVENT RECAP: Recognizing leadership and legacy, Excellence in Virginia Government Awards honor six who have been powered by public service

2025 Awardees

• Lifetime Achievement – The Hon. William Ferguson Reid
• Community Enhancement – Dr. Tamara Mann, Campagna Center
• Grace E. Harris Leadership – Eva Teig Hardy
• Hill-Robinson Expansion of Freedom – Rev. Tyler C. Millner, Sr.
• Innovation in Government – Robert David Sr., City of Danville
• Unsung Heroes – Mark Greenough, VA Capitol Building Tour Supervisor

Support the Event

Proceeds from the EVGA ceremony support two $10,000 scholarships for Wilder School students and help underwrite event costs.

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact:
Stevan Dozier
Senior Director of Development
📧 doziers2@vcu.edu

Thank You to Dominion Energy 

 

 

 Lead sponsor of the 2025 EVGA Awards—thank you for investing in the future of public service.