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Celebrating Excellence in Government
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.
By The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU
May 9, 2025
“Public service is a bold and noble profession.”
These words, shared by Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., dean of the Wilder School, opened the 2025 Excellence in Virginia Government Awards. Nearly 250 leaders, innovators and public servants gathered on April 8 to recognize individuals whose work is strengthening communities across Virginia.
“These awards recognize outstanding work at all levels of government in Virginia,” Gooden said. “They honor dedicated public service, innovative approaches and commitment to excellence.”
The ceremony celebrated six distinguished public servants whose contributions reflect the enduring importance of leadership in public life.
Lifetime Achievement Award – William Ferguson Reid, M.D.
Dr. Reid, a pioneer in Virginia politics, became the first African American elected to Virginia’s General Assembly since Reconstruction in 1968. Representing Richmond and parts of Henrico County, he helped reshape Virginia’s political landscape. A U.S. Navy lieutenant during the Korean War, he co-founded the Richmond Crusade for Voters in 1955 to expand voter registration among Black Virginians. In March, he celebrated his 100th birthday, marking a lifetime of commitment to civil rights and representative democratic participation.
Community Enhancement Award – Tammy Mann, Ph.D.
Dr. Mann, president and CEO of the Campagna Center, was recognized for expanding educational and social services in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1945, the Campagna Center today serves more than 2,000 adults and youth daily, offering tutoring, reading support and English classes. Under Mann’s leadership, the center has worked to close opportunity gaps and strengthen community resilience.
Hill-Robinson Expansion of Freedom Award – The Rev. Tyler C. Millner Sr.
Rev. Millner’s leadership spans more than five decades of civic engagement and advocacy. Inspired by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Millner has worked to build a “beloved community” grounded in compassion and social justice. He founded the Richmond Community Leader’s Breakfast and helped organize annual King remembrance celebrations at Virginia Union University—initiatives that have become national models for recognition and dialogue.
Unsung Hero Award – Mark Greenough
As supervisor of the Capitol Guides since 2002, Mr. Greenough has brought Virginia’s Capitol to life for thousands of visitors. Through his storytelling, he has illuminated the building’s architecture, political milestones and the overlooked contributions of women and African Americans. His work has made the Capitol more accessible, fostering a deeper appreciation of Virginia’s history.
Grace E. Harris Leadership Award – Eva Teig Hardy
Ms. Hardy, whose career spans leadership in both government and the private sector, was recognized for her wide-ranging contributions to public health, social services and civic leadership. She advised U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, supported Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and oversaw 17 state agencies focused on health and human services. Hardy also helped launch one of the nation’s first confidential AIDS testing and counseling programs and led Virginia’s largest mental health initiative. She later accompanied President Bill Clinton to the signing of the historic Israel-Jordan peace treaty.
Innovation in Government Award – Robert David Sr.
Mr. David was honored for founding Project Imagine, a community violence prevention program for high risk youth in Danville, Va. Since its launch in 2018, Project Imagine has offered work readiness training, mentorship and life skills development to youth ages 15 to 21. The program helped 165 young people transition off the streets and into employment or education, offering a model for small cities across the country.
Proceeds from the event funded two $10,000 scholarships to Wilder School students, supporting the next generation of public service leaders.
Author: The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to advancing public policy expertise and social justice in public safety, governance and economic and community development. Its academic excellence attracts the highest quality faculty, staff and students. Its graduates are leaders in their fields. Its research and consulting practices have a global impact. And it proudly reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
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