About the Award
The Virginia Hart award’s emphasis is on recognizing “unsung heroes” in state service, thus providing encouragement and recognition to all individual's in state government. The award seeks to recognize individual's who share the following qualities: esteem from peers; acceptance of responsibility beyond the limits of the nominee’s job description; sustained, extraordinary achievement of assigned tasks; performance recognition from clients; community service; self-improvement; and overcoming hardships to performance.
How to Make a Nomination
The 43rd Annual nomination period is now open for the Virginia Hart Award. Nominations are due by Friday, September 11, 2026. Please see Virginia Hart Awards - Nominations for more information on nominations and the 2026 Nomination form.
2025 Award Winner and Honorable Mentions
2025 Virginia Hart Award Winner
Samina Grimes,
Department of Workforce Development
2025 Honorable Mentions
Colleen Holtan,
Department of Administration
Amy Kolano,
Department of Public Instruction