Nominate a Champion of Change
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to deliver an exceptional customer experience to citizens?
This is YOUR chance to shine a spotlight on those deserving public servants and give them the recognition they’ve earned!
The remarkable services provided by the government would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our public servants and their industry partners. Federal employees achieve countless noteworthy and inspiring accomplishments that often go unrecognized, yet their impact on the lives of Americans is immeasurable.
These heroes work tirelessly to deliver services that empower individuals and families to achieve the American dream—whether by helping people start small businesses, purchase a home, access higher education, or embark on their journey as new citizens.
They are also the backbone of efforts to safeguard our nation’s transportation systems, borders, food supply, environment, and workforce—essential functions that ensure the health, safety, and prosperity of our communities. From veterans and seniors to students, travelers, businesses, and victims of national disasters, the government’s reach touches nearly every aspect of American life.
As we reflect on these profound contributions, let us take the time to recognize and celebrate the dedication of these public servants and industry partners—the unsung heroes who make it all possible.
Award Categories
As the Service to the Citizen awards program continues to change through the years, we continue to grow and adapt. There are six different awards:
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Government Executive of the Year
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Industry Executive of the Year
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Lifetime Achievement
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CX Trailblazer
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Rising Star of the Year
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Service to the Citizen Award
The Service to the Citizen awards are broken up into 5 separate categories (and subcategories). Below are the guidelines.
Government Executive of the Year (1 recipient)
This award is presented to a single federal employee whose leadership is committed to the improvement of government services to the public or to internal efficiency that supports government services and has demonstrated results that have changed the lives of citizens.
Industry Executive of the Year (1 recipient)
This award is presented to a single industry executive whose leadership is committed to the improvement of government services to the public or to internal efficiency that supports government services and has a partnership with the government that has demonstrated results that have changed the lives of citizens.
Lifetime Achieve for Delivering Services to Citizens (1 recipient)
This award is presented to a government employee or industry executive who has been dedicated to the delivery of excellence in services to the public for many years and has had multiple roles and positions that have led to improved government services.
Customer Experience Trailblazer (1 recipient)
This award is presented to a government employee or industry executive who has been committed to improving government services for many years (before it was as much of a focus as it is today). This is presented to someone who pushed the boundaries to drive change against resistance to change.
Rising Star of the Year (1 recipient)
This award is presented to a government employee who is at the GS-13 level or below or less than 5 years of experience and has demonstrated initiative in driving change to improve services to citizens. They have demonstrated out of the box” thinking and a commitment to improving the lives of citizens.
Service to the Citizen Award Categories (multiple awards in each category and sub-category)
Category 1: Building a Customer-Focused Building
This category will have multiple recipients who have:
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Enabled governments to deliver improved government services
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Improved the employee experience and engagement to drive improved services
Category 2: Delivering Excellence in Digital Services
This category will have multiple recipients who have:
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Reimagined digital services
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Delivered cross agency digital services at specific life events
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Delivered equitable and inclusive services
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Delivered excellence in government benefits and services (e.g. healthcare services)
Category 3: Using Innovation, Data and Breaking Down Organizational Barriers
This category will have multiple recipients who have:
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Used innovative practices to reimagine government services
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Used human centered design to improve
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Used of data to deliver improved services
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Broke down barriers
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Streamlined and broke down government boundaries and the creation of government-wide coalitions
Category 4: Use of Innovative Technologies to create a Simple, Seamless and Secure Service Delivery
This category will have multiple recipients who have:
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Used emerging or advanced technologies to improve services to customers or employees (e.g., Artificial Intelligence (AI), identity management, biometrics)
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Implemented Cybersecurity to create a seamless digital experience
Category 5: Government Agencies Serving Other Government Agencies
This category will have multiple recipients who have:
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Apply customer experience principles and practices to the services delivered to other agencies
Category 6: Other
Tips for submitting a Nomination
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We’re excited to introduce our new nomination platform! To submit a nomination, you’ll need to create an account. Rest assured, your information will only be used for the purpose of submitting nominations.
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Start drafting the nomination early to allow enough time to seek permission from references.
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The nomination should tell a compelling story. Describe the impact that the individual or team had on customers or employees.
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Always include what the person or team did that was extraordinary.
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Include metrics to demonstrate impact. Try to include the numbers that demonstrate the significance of the nominee’s work or accomplishments (i.e. the number of participants/recipients, or the amount of money or resources saved.)
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Ask the reference(s) before including someone’s name on the nomination. References should have a direct knowledge of the work and impact of the nominee.
If you have any questions or to submit your nominations, please contact info@servicetothecitizen.org.