May 3–9 is Public Service Recognition Week, when we recognize the great work and service that public employees provide for Washingtonians. As part of the week’s celebrations, 18 individuals and teams are honored with awards for going the extra mile or providing extraordinary daily leadership in the course of their service.

Judges weighed 220 nominations for the awards in a tough selection process. Thank you to all those that took the time to nominate and recognize the dedication of your staff and coworkers. You can read details of all the winners here.

Extra Mile Award

Extra Mile Award 2026 recipients

The Extra Mile Award is given to individuals or groups of state employees who to beyond routine expectations in their public service role.

  • Anthony ‘Tony’ Aceves, Employment Security Department
  • Beth Adams, Department of Social and Health Services – Home and Community Living Administration
  • Vaccine-Preventable Disease Team, Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology; Department of Health
  • Area 4 Renton Incident Response Team, Department of Transportation
  • Nicole Hanson, Employment Security Department
  • Lindy Henry, Washington State Parks
  • Monique Martin, Employment Security Department
  • Recovery Section, Human Services; Military Department
  • Alexandria Woodruff, Department of Social and Health Services

 

Leadership Award

Leadership Award 2026 recipients

The 2026 PSRW Leadership Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership through their daily behaviors — actions, decisions, and influence — regardless of job title or formal authority. 

  • Cassandra Durr, Department of Health
  • Aschlee Heiny, Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Anastacia ‘Staci’ Hoff, Traffic Safety Commission
  • Heather Lindstrom, Department of Transportation
  • Sarah Nelson, Department of Labor & Industries
  • Thao Nguyen, Health Care Authority
  • Michal Rechner, Department of Natural Resources
  • Melissa Rhault, Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Drew Rosanbalm, Department of Natural Resources