Gov. Jared Polis announced the winners of the annual Tom Clements Better Government Awards Tuesday, honoring those who have contributed to improving Colorado’s state government.

Winners for the four award categories were nominated through their departments and selected by a panel of nonprofit partners and business leaders in Colorado.

“This year’s recipients not only devoted their time and energy to improving the state, but did so during an unprecedented pandemic,” Polis said. “Each and every one of this year’s recipients made their work for Colorado a priority, and because of that, Colorado is a better place today.”

The Outstanding Service in Government Award goes to Mia Donley, Megan Hrdlicka and Max Young within the Department of Human Services’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

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Honorable mentions for this award were Nate Walowitz, the regional broadband director of the Department of Local Affairs, and Cheryl Petrossi, the nurse case manager of the Department of Corrections.

The Outstanding Innovation in Government award goes to Bonnie Silva with the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and Randy Kuykendall with the Department of Public Health and Environment.

Honorable mentions for this award were Ron Simenhois, a scientist for the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Regulatory Agencies Electrical and Plumbing Inspectors.

The Chief of Staff Operational Excellence Award goes to the Colorado Department of Public Safety led by Executive Director Stan Hilkey.

The department includes the Division of Homeland Security, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Division of Fire Prevention, Division of Criminal Justice and Executive Director’s Office, which were all honored. 

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The 2020 Pandemic Response Award goes to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s COVID-19 leadership team.

The team includes Scott Bookman, Emily Travanty, Rachel Herlihy, Sarah Tuneberg, Jessica Bralish, Ann Hause, Mara Brosy-Wichar, Joi Simpson, Eric France, Jamison Lee, Rachel Jervis, Mike Nugent and Diana Herrero.

These awards are in honor of Tom Clements, the late executive director of Colorado’s Department of Corrections who was assassinated in 2013. Clements was a progressive leader known for his focus on mental health, rehabilitation and transitioning prisoners back into society.

All award winners will be invited to a virtual event to showcase their accomplishments with Polis, state legislative leaders and local business leaders.