Governor Bob Ferguson honored 26 public servants with the Governor's Outstanding Leadership Awards during a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion. The honorees include managers from state agencies and educational institutions, including Everett Community College and Washington State University.
The awards, established in 1985, recognize managers who exemplify excellence in their performance and accomplishments. Award criteria emphasize leadership competencies needed to support a performance-driven culture and promote diverse and inclusive workplaces, according to the Governor's Office.
"Washington's public employees are the backbone of state government," Ferguson said during the ceremony.
The 2026 recipients include managers from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, Office of Financial Management, Department of Labor & Industries, Washington Military Department, Attorney General's Office, Washington Technology Solutions, Department of Revenue, Department of Transportation, and Washington State University.
Among the recipients were Andrew Davis of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, recognized for strengthening consumer education and launching disaster-response outreach to affected residents; Jacob Cunnington of the Department of Transportation, recognized for leading emergency repairs to U.S. 2 following catastrophic flooding that reopened the highway a month ahead of schedule; and Garet Studer of Everett Community College, recognized for transforming the college's athletics program through a focus on student achievement and equity.