Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced the winners of the 2019 Tom Clements Better Government Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service to those who interact with state government. 

Lt. Shawna Nygaard with the Department of Corrections received the Outstanding Service in Government distinction for “helping all internal and external stakeholders feel comfortable in the prison environment.” Nygaard, a volunteer coordinator for Sterling Correctional Facility, “brings humanity and empathy to every interaction while keeping safety and security foremost in her mind,” a press release said.

Simultaneously, the Central Management Unit in the Office of the State Comptroller received the Outstanding Innovation in Government award. The unit’s payment modernization project saved the state $1 million and improved customer service with vendors.

The award is in its third year and is named for Tom Clements, the former executive director of the Department of Corrections who was murdered in 2013.

“The best way to honor a great man like Tom is to take the baton and carry on their work. To celebrate those who are engaged in the work not just for a paycheck, or for a career, or for glory, but because they are on a mission to do good,” Polis said in a press release. “This year’s winners have gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional services and improve state government. Their dedication to public service and the impact on their communities inspire us all.”