The American Society for Public Administration’s Greater Cincinnati Chapter has announced the recipients of its 2026 Outstanding Public Service Awards, recognizing exemplary leadership, innovation, and outcomes in government, nonprofit, and related organizations in the region, including northern Kentucky.
The awards celebrate individuals and initiatives that demonstrate excellence in serving the public and strengthening their communities.
Recipients will be recognized during the 2026 Outstanding Public Service Awards Celebration on Wednesday, September 23 at SparkHaus in Covington, KY. Hosted by ASPA-GCC, the event brings together public servants, nonprofit leaders, educators, students, and community partners to honor those making a meaningful impact across the region.
The Outstanding Public Service Award program highlights the diverse ways that public servants and community leaders improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and other organizations and groups throughout the region. The following is a list of the 2026 winners in each of the seven award categories:
Career achievement
• Judi Boyko, Butler County
• Les K. Hill, Boone County Sheriff’s Department
Individual Contributors / Mid Careerists
• Amy Burke, Cincinnati Art Museum
• Mark Grauwelman, Northern Kentucky Port Authority
• Ella Uhler, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
Young Professionals / Early Careerists
• Laura Castillo, Office of Procurement, City of Cincinnati
• Mary Cropenbaker, Hamilton County ReSource
Support Services
• Kaiti Theetge, Boone County Sheriff’s Auxiliary
Public Service Student
• Tyler Hill, Northern Kentucky University
Public Service Initiative
• Juvenile Justice Project, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
Public Service Innovation
• Veteran Response Team, Boone County Sheriff’s Office
“Public service is strengthened by dedicated professionals and organizations that work every day to address community needs, solve complex challenges, and improve outcomes for residents,” said ASPA-GCC President Jim Flick. “This year’s recipients exemplify the very best of public service and demonstrate the positive impact that committed leadership can have across our communities.”
ASPA-GCC is committed to advancing excellence in public service through recognition programs, professional development, and networking among practitioners, students, and academics throughout the region. ASPA is the nation’s leading professional association for public administration and public service.
American Society for Public Administration’s Greater Cincinnati Chapter