The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) recently announced that Madison’s Senior Planner, Monica Callahan, is among those chosen for the 250 Champions Initiative.
“Many leaders are working in government across the country who are deserving of recognition, and this year marks an especially important time for our country to honor them,” said James Christian Blockwood, President & CEO of NAPA. “These 250 Champions are truly special and make a difference in our everyday lives. We look forward to celebrating all of them, and hope this inspires future public servants and the American people.”
The 250 Champions include a diverse range of public servants. From the Fire Chief of Ithaca, New York, to a meter reader in Illinois, to a sustainability coordinator in Wisconsin, our 250 Champions represent government at its best.
Each person listed has earned recognition by going above and beyond, showing excellence in public service, and inspiring those around them. They have each been nominated by a peer or fellow in public administration.
“250 Champions is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the important role of local government in implementing democracy every day,” said Wally Bobkiewicz, city administrator of Issaquah, Wash., and selection committee member of Local Gov 250. “A key element of the initiative has been to recognize all the professions that make local government work, from librarians to police officers, engineers to recreation leaders. Local Gov 250 has brought together all these professions to celebrate the impacts of our collective work.”
The Local Gov 250 Coalition and NAPA reviewed hundreds of submissions from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This honor highlights government workers across the country, from mayors’ offices to public works departments, parks and recreation, public health, libraries, and so much more. The 250 Champions were selected and notified of their awards in early March.
To be eligible for the award, honorees must be currently working as a government employee or recently retired within the last ten years and exemplify the highest standards of service to the public.
The 250 Champions will be honored at an event preceding the ICMA National Conference in Philadelphia on May 12, 2026.
About the National Academy of Public Administration Established in 1967 and chartered by Congress, the National Academy of Public Administration is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that helps government leaders solve the nation’s most critical management challenges.
With more than 1,000 Fellows — including former cabinet officials, governors, mayors, and scholars — the Academy advances excellence in public administration through research, advisory services, and thought leadership.