2026 Innovation & Leadership Award Winners
Eleven Leaders Received National Honors from ASC
Eleven leaders from across the nation were recognized in Washington, DC on September 15 at the 2026 Innovation and Leadership Awards, hosted by America’s Service Commissions (ASC). The awards program is held each year to recognize the accomplishments of state service commission staff, commissioners, service programs, and champions of national service throughout the United States and its territories.
Congratulations to the following awardees!
Friend of ASC: US Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) and US Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Since 2005, ASC has given this award to leaders of national importance who have gone above and beyond to support commissions and the field of national service and volunteerism. This award is the highest honor presented by ASC and only for the most exceptional service champions.
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has been a steadfast advocate for AmeriCorps and state service commissions throughout his time in Congress. As co-chair of the National Service Congressional Caucus, he has championed federal investment in national service and highlighted its role in strengthening communities, expanding educational opportunities, and addressing local challenges. In 2024, he co-led the Promoting Service Through AmeriCorps Act to reauthorize and modernize AmeriCorps programs. Senator Cassidy has also worked to secure funding and operational stability for AmeriCorps and state service commissions, including efforts to ensure the release of congressionally appropriated grant funds. His leadership has helped sustain service opportunities and strengthen partnerships that benefit communities across the nation.
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) has been a longtime champion of AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps Seniors, and the state service commission network. A member of the National Service Congressional Caucus, she has consistently supported legislation that strengthens national service and expands opportunities for participants. Throughout her congressional career, Senator Collins has highlighted the impact of service programs in Maine and across the country, recognizing their contributions to education, health care, conservation, and community development. Her continued support for funding and program stability has helped sustain critical service initiatives that strengthen communities and develop future leaders.
State Service Leadership Award: Governor Wes Moore (Maryland)
This award recognizes state and local leaders who have taken concrete action to leverage national service and volunteerism to meet their community’s most pressing needs in a strategic or unique way.
 Governor Wes Moore, the 63rd Governor of Maryland, has made service and civic engagement central pillars of his administration. On his first day in office, he established the nation’s first cabinet-level Department of Service and Civic Innovation to expand service opportunities and strengthen volunteer infrastructure statewide. Under his leadership, Maryland launched Maryland Corps and the Service Year Option, creating paid pathways for young adults to serve their communities while developing workforce skills. Governor Moore has also advanced service nationally through the Service United initiative, demonstrating his commitment to using civic engagement as a tool to strengthen communities and bridge divides.
Outstanding Commissioner: Colonel Rebecca "BB" Lange (Colorado) and Amanda Richardson Nipper (Arkansas)
As board members who provide essential guidance and oversight, commissioners are a critical component of state and territorial service commission success. The counsel they provide commission staff is invaluable in advancing national service and volunteering throughout the country.
 Colonel Rebecca “BB” Lange serves as Chair of Serve Colorado and brings a lifetime commitment to service through military, national, and community leadership. An active-duty Air Force intelligence officer and professor of aerospace studies at the University of Colorado, she has served in numerous leadership positions throughout her military career. Rebecca also served in the second class of AmeriCorps NCCC and remains actively involved in the AmeriCorps alumni community. As a commissioner, she has become one of Colorado’s strongest advocates for service, inspiring others through her belief in the transformative power of national service.
Amanda Richardson Nipper serves as Chair of Engage Arkansas and has dedicated her career to advancing national service, workforce development, and civic engagement. An AmeriCorps alum and current board member of City Year Little Rock, she brings firsthand service experience and strategic leadership to her role. Amanda has been a tireless advocate for national service in Arkansas, helping guide commission priorities while encouraging collaboration and action among commissioners and staff. Her leadership, grounded in gratitude, curiosity, and trust, has strengthened the commission’s ability to advance service opportunities across the state.
Outstanding Commission Executive Director: Brittany Stiffler Crabtree (Missouri)
This award is reserved for an individual who demonstrates unparalleled leadership and innovative thinking to get things done in their state.
Brittany Stiffler Crabtree serves as Executive Director of ServMO and has built a distinguished career advancing civic engagement at the local, state, and national levels. Under her leadership, Missouri has expanded strategic partnerships, launched innovative grant initiatives, and increased public awareness of service opportunities. Most recently, Brittany helped position Missouri as one of the inaugural states selected for the Youth Mental Health Corps planning initiative. Known for leading with humility, transparency, and optimism, she has transformed ServMO into a nationally recognized leader in leveraging service to address community challenges.
Outstanding Commission Staff: Michelle Raymer (Iowa)
This award is reserved for an individual commission staff member who demonstrates leadership, implements innovative strategies to get things done, and provides consistent service to programs to realize success.
Michelle Raymer has served Volunteer Iowa since 2013 and has led a wide range of initiatives promoting volunteerism, civic engagement, disaster response, youth service, and national service. An AmeriCorps alum and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Michelle brings a lifelong commitment to service and community impact. Her leadership has helped strengthen Iowa’s statewide service-learning infrastructure and expand opportunities for organizations and volunteers across the state. Beyond Iowa, she has contributed to the broader volunteer engagement field through leadership roles with AL!VE and numerous community organizations, helping build sustainable systems that benefit communities long into the future.
Outstanding Service Program: Providing Access to Court Services AmeriCorps Program (Arizona)
Service programs are organizations that commit themselves to making a difference in their communities by leveraging the power of national and/or community service. The award winner in this category must perform meaningful service, maintain a strong record of compliance, and demonstrate a lasting impact on their members, community, and state.
The Providing Access to Court Services (PACS) AmeriCorps Program was established to expand access to justice through the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County. For more than a decade, PACS members have helped individuals representing themselves in court navigate complex legal processes involving family law, guardianship, probate matters, and more. Through personalized assistance and innovative partnerships, including the Legal Information and Navigation Clinic (LINC), PACS brings legal resources directly into underserved communities. The program has built a strong record of service and collaboration while helping thousands of residents overcome barriers to accessing the court system.
Outstanding Service Program Staff: Jane Atkinson (North Carolina)
Operating a service program is no small feat. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, and vision, as well as a commitment to continuous learning. This award is reserved for an individual service program staff member who has demonstrated consistent leadership and dedication to get things done through service.
Jane Atkinson serves as AmeriCorps Director for Breakthrough Collaborative and brings nearly two decades of national and international service experience to her work. She oversees a complex National Direct AmeriCorps grant that supports nearly 200 members across eight affiliates while providing leadership in compliance, training, and program development. During the challenges created by the 2025 AmeriCorps funding disruptions, Jane guided her organization with steady leadership and strategic vision. Known for her creativity and passion for service, she has also developed innovative advocacy resources that help strengthen and promote AmeriCorps programs nationwide.
Honor Roll: Sandy Scott (Maryland) and Rhonda Taylor (Washington D.C.)
ASC created the Honor Roll in 2016 to recognize former commission leaders who have blazed a trail and left behind a lasting impact on our network.
Sandy Scott devoted more than three decades to public service through his work at AmeriCorps, where he served in roles including Senior Advisor, Director of Public Affairs, State Commission Liaison, Press Secretary, and Senior Writer. Throughout his career, Sandy was a dedicated advocate for state service commissions, helping create valuable resources such as National Service State Profiles and education award datasets while providing technical assistance and support across the commission network. His commitment to strengthening national service and supporting state commissions has left a lasting impact on the field and on countless colleagues nationwide.
 Rhonda Taylor dedicated more than 36 years to public service, much of it advancing national service through leadership in program implementation, partnerships, marketing, and special initiatives. A member of the launch team for AmeriCorps, she helped guide programs across the western United States and played key roles in developing the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Her work helped elevate national service on a national stage while creating opportunities for millions of Americans to volunteer and serve their communities. |
