Selection Process
For all award categories, the nominee must have shown a strong commitment to public service as a federal civil servant and demonstrated significant accomplishments within his or her particular government field. The finalists are determined by the Partnership for Public Service following careful review of the nominations and vetting of the potential finalists, including interviews with the potential finalists, their nominator and references, and additional sources. Finalists in each category are announced in late spring.
The award recipients are determined by the Partnership for Public Service based on the votes submitted by a Selection Committee consisting of national leaders representing government, business, entertainment, media, and the non-profit/foundation community. The members of the selection committee rank the finalists in each category according to the significance and impact of their accomplishments, and how well they foster innovation, demonstrate strong leadership and exemplify excellence in public service. The Partnership conducts a second round of vetting and interviews before the final list of award recipients is approved. The award recipients are announced in middle to late September.
2011 Service to America Medals Selection Committee
U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet
Colorado
John Berry
Director
Office of Personnel Management
David Brooks
Columnist
The New York Times
Wes Bush
CEO and President
Northrop Grumman
Corporation
Debra Lerner Cohen
Principal, Lerner Enterprises
Principal Owner, Washington Nationals
Michael M. Crow
President
Arizona State University
John Gage
National President
American Federation of Government Employees
Brian A. Gallagher
President and CEO
United Way Worldwide
Ronnie F. Heyman
Chairman
GAF Industries
Colleen M. Kelley
National President
National Treasury Employees Union
Jeffrey B. Kindler
Former Chairman and CEO
Pfizer Inc.
Gara LaMarche
President and CEO
The Atlantic Philanthropies
Frederick M. Lawrence
President and Professor of Politics
Brandeis University
Richard L. Menschel
Senior Director
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Sally Osberg
President and CEO
Skoll Foundation
G. P. "Bud" Peterson
President
Georgia Institute of Technology
Sheryl K. Sandberg
Chief Operating Officer
Facebook, Inc.
U.S. Representative Lamar Smith
Texas
Max Stier
President and CEO
Partnership for Public Service
The Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals are presented annually by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service to celebrate excellence in our federal civil service.
