2026 Awards
James M. “Jim” Holland
James M. “Jim” Holland devoted more than four decades to public service, helping shape the direction, growth and quality of life of Chesterfield County. Elected in 2008 to represent the Dale District on the Board of Supervisors, he served nearly 18 years over five terms and became the county’s first African American board chair, serving in that role in 2014, 2021 and 2024. Guided by a commitment to service, education and community, Holland worked to strengthen opportunity and make the Dale District a better place to live, learn, work and play. Under his leadership, Chesterfield County experienced nationally recognized economic development, including major investments by Sabra, Maruchan, Niagara, Plenty, the LEGO Group, Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Google, part of 196 announcements that brought approximately 18,800 new jobs and $15.1 billion in capital investment since 2008. His public service extended beyond the county through appointments by every Virginia governor during his tenure, most recently serving on the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Board. His legacy reflects a lifetime commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunity for future generations.
Dr. Wally R. Smith
Director, VCU Adult Sickle Cell Program
Dr. Wally R. Smith has spent his career improving care for patients with sickle cell disease, a population long underserved by the health care system. As founding director of the VCU Adult Sickle Cell Program and the first holder of the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship of Sickle Cell Disease, he has combined research and clinical leadership to improve outcomes. Smith has authored more than 100 publications and served as an investigator on more than 50 externally funded grants, expanding access to clinical research and helping patients live longer, healthier lives.
Dr. Tamarah Holmes
Director, Virginia Office of Broadband
Dr. Tamarah Holmes has led Virginia’s effort to connect all parts of the Commonwealth to high-speed internet access, recognizing broadband as essential infrastructure for education, health care and economic opportunity. Under her leadership, the state’s broadband program grew from a $1 million initiative to a $750 million investment, supplemented by $1.48 billion in federal funding. Virginia became the first state to access its federal broadband expansion funding and is on track to achieve universal broadband access by 2029. Holmes also serves as Virginia’s program manager for the Appalachian Regional Commission, directing federal investments to ensure rural and underserved communities are not left behind.
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, Virginia
Since his election to the U.S. Senate in 2012, Tim Kaine has focused on national security, constitutional oversight and expanding opportunity for all Virginians. Early in his career, his work in civil rights and fair housing helped shape his long-standing commitment to equal access and public service. Kaine previously served as governor of Virginia, where he worked to strengthen education, economic opportunity and inclusive growth across the Commonwealth. In the Senate, serving on the Armed Services, Budget, Foreign Relations and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committees, he has emphasized congressional authority over military action, protections for service members and veterans and expanded access to health care, including efforts to lower costs and address the opioid crisis affecting communities across Virginia.
Not awarded in 2026.
Virginia Early Childhood Foundation
Kathy Glazer, president
Since 2005, the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation has served as the Commonwealth’s nonpartisan public-private partner in advancing early childhood success. Working in an intermediary role, the foundation helps strengthen local and regional early childhood systems, supporting the healthy development and school readiness of Virginia’s youngest children and expanding opportunity for families across the state. Through initiatives such as Smart Beginnings and Ready Regions, VECF has built collaborative capacity in communities, helping thousands of children enter school ready to learn and shaping long-term outcomes for children statewide.
Barbara Carter
Legislative information officer, Virginia Senate Clerk’s Office
Barbara Carter has long served as a welcoming and steady presence at the Capitol visitors’ information desk, guiding constituents, staff and visitors as they navigate the legislative process. Working through the Virginia Senate Clerk’s Office, she is often the first point of contact for those seeking direction, information or reassurance during the fast pace and complexity of the General Assembly session. Her institutional knowledge, professionalism and calm demeanor reflect the quiet but essential role public servants play in keeping government accessible to the people it serves.