But what exactly is innovation? Certainly it’s about more than just saving money or developing the latest, most clever citizen app. True government innovation is about finding new solutions to our most persistent collective challenges. It’s about taking risks and discovering new ways to make government more effective. Innovation is about leadership -- and it’s the driving force for each of these nine Public Officials of the Year.
These men and women implement innovative new approaches every day. They’re making the tough decisions necessary to put government on sounder fiscal footing. They’re creating resilient communities that are ready for the future. They’re breaking down political barriers to work with opponents across the aisle. They’re redefining the very nature of their jobs, reaching beyond the traditional scope of their positions to make streets safer for people to walk on, to cut crime by empowering former offenders, to fight for legal justice, to encourage different communities to share their best ideas.
They are innovative in every sense of the word. For their continued commitment to public service, their remarkable leadership -- and yes, for their innovation -- we’re honored to recognize these nine outstanding public officials.
Read their profiles here.
Stacey Abrams, House Minority Leader, Georgia
Mike Hein, County Executive, Ulster County, N.Y.
Rick Snyder, Governor, Michigan
Wendy Still, Chief Adult Probation Officer, San Francisco County, Calif.
Michael Nutter, Mayor, Philadelphia
Billy Hattaway, District 1 Secretary, Department of Transportation, Florida
Carrie Banahan, Executive Director, Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange
Chris Connealy, State Fire Marshal, Texas
George Hawkins, General Manager, D.C. Water
