2017 Friends of National Service Awards - Voices for National Service

Voices for National Service honored 19 distinguished leaders in government, business and journalism at the 14th Annual Friends of National Service Awards at Union Station in Washington, DC.

The honorees were selected based on recognition and support for national service as a solution to some of the nation’s most pressing challenges. Each award winner has helped to raise public awareness of national service and elevate national service as a legislative priority.

“These honorees are extraordinary leaders from across the country who understand the unique value of national service as an efficient strategy for engaging citizens, preparing young adults for work, solving problems, and strengthening and uniting our nation,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President, Voices for National Service. “Their commitment to national service, and their leadership in advancing it, directly benefits communities large and small. We’re tremendously grateful for their continued efforts to help expand service opportunities in America.”

Our 2017 honorees included:

Edward M. Kennedy National Service Lifetime Leadership Award
For life-long dedication to citizen service and for outstanding leadership in advancing national service as a civic commitment and legislative priority
Representative David Price of North Carolina

Corporate Service Award
For investing in the civic health of our nation through support of national service
Bank of America (accepted by Kerry Sullivan, President, Bank of America Charitable Foundation)

Citizen Service Award
For investing in the civic health of our nation through support of national service
Kathy McKim, Vice President, External Affairs, AT&T, Inc.
Stacy Schusterman, Co-Chair, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation

Distinguished Service Award
For exemplary efforts to expand high-quality opportunities for citizens to serve their community and our country
Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri
Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma

Outstanding National Service Advocacy Award
For outstanding leadership and advocacy for national service as a state and federal priority
Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois
Representative John Larson of Connecticut

Congressional Service Award
For remarkable commitment to national service as a strategy to solve local and national challenges
Senator John Cornyn of Texas

Outstanding New Member Award
For elevating national service as a first term legislative priority
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana
Representative Will Hurd of Texas

State Leadership Award
For leadership and innovation in leveraging national service to meet state needs
Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona
Governor Steve Bullock of Montana

Local Leadership Award
For leadership and innovation in leveraging national service to meet local needs
Mayor David Condon of Spokane, Washington

Service in Media Award
For using journalism to raise awareness of and encourage participation in national service
David Brooks, The New York Times
Judy Woodruff, PBS NewsHour

Franklin D. Roosevelt Service and Conservation Corps Leadership Award
For championing the important role of service and conservation in modern day America, reflective of the legendary ideals and work accomplished by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Depression Era Civilian Conservation Corps
Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts
Representative Martha McSally of Arizona

National Service Advocate of the Year
For exemplary determination, creativity, and results in building support for national service among our nation’s leaders
Melody Gault, Butler County RSVP and Foster Grandparent Programs