ASPA Awards
Nesta M. Gallas Award for Exemplary Professionalism in Public Service
The award has been established to honor the lifetime achievements of a dedicated public servant and seeks to honor a pioneering and innovative leader whose career has been demonstrably characterized by:
Exemplary efforts to uphold legal and ethical standards locally, nationally and internationally
Sustained work to advance gender equality and diversity
Responsible, democratic and expert accomplishments in public affairs locally, nationally and globally
Mentorship of young academics and public servants who would seek to continue such professionalism in service to the public
A recipient of an ASPA or ASPA Endowment Award may not receive the same award more than once. An ASPA or ASPA Endowment award recipient must wait at least one year after receiving it before being eligible for a different one. No more than one individual may be selected for the award annually. This award may not be given out every year.
Open Now
2027 ASPA Award Nominations
Nominations are open for awards presented at the 2027 Annual Conference.
Past Winners
2025
Most recent
Marilyn Rubin
2024
Marc Holzer
2023
Janice Underwood
2022
Mary Guy
2020
Secretary Leon Panetta
2019
Edith Beaumont
Chet Newland
2018
Walter Shaub, Jr.
2017
Not awarded
2016
Admiral Thad Allen (Ret.)
2015
Jane Pisano