From trailblazers to behind-the-scenes heroes, the Excellence in Virginia Government Awards honors those whose dedication to public service is transforming the Commonwealth.
>VIDEO: View a playlist of all 2025 EVGA honorees
>>PHOTOS: View and download EVGA in photos
Highlighting their lasting contributions to the well-being of Virginia communities, the 17th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards this month honored six individuals who embody how “public service is a bold and noble profession.”
Those words were shared by Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., dean of Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, which hosted the April 8 celebration at the Omni Richmond Hotel. “Across the commonwealth of Virginia, individuals and communities alike have benefited from their unwavering dedication,” she said.
The event, which included nearly 250 leaders and innovators, supports Wilder School scholarships for a new generation of public servants. Wilder, the 66th governor of Virginia and the VCU school’s namesake, noted that the awards program, developed by political analyst and Wilder School founding director Bob Holsworth, “was a valuable foresight in the need to acknowledge the changing role of government.”
EVGA awarded four students scholarships this year totalling $30,000 to Wilder School undergraduate recipients Natalie Maddox and Anna Skillin and graduate Jackie Okao Isaac Yeboah.
“We have tried not only to be a part of that change, but also a guidepost, to exemplify how people can make a difference,” Wilder said. “Under the aspirational leadership of Dean Susan Gooden, our school continues to fulfill this mission by recognizing talented public servants too often overlooked.”
Holsworth, Ph.D., served as master of ceremonies of the awards gathering. In addition to remarks by Wilder and Gooden, William L. “Bill” Murray, Ph.D., senior vice president of corporate affairs and communications with title sponsor Dominion Energy, addressed the audience.
On Thursday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m. on WTVR-CBS6, a 30-minute television program will highlight this year’s six honorees below.
Lifetime Achievement Award
William Ferguson Reid, M.D., was celebrated for his groundbreaking political career as the first African American elected to the Virginia General Assembly since Reconstruction.
A distinguished physician, politician and civil rights activist, Reid was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, attached to the 1st Marine Division. After his service, Reid returned to Richmond, where his political activism took shape. In 1955, he co-founded the Richmond Crusade for Voters, an organization dedicated to registering and mobilizing Black voters during the era of Massive Resistance – a strategy employed by Southern politicians and white segregationists to oppose school desegregation and other civil rights advancements.
In 1968, Reid made history with his election to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing Richmond and parts of Henrico County. He went on to win re-election twice, further cementing his legacy as a trailblazer for political representation.
Born and raised in Richmond in 1925, Reid celebrated his 100th birthday in March 2025, marking a milestone of impact and leadership in the fight for civil rights and democracy.
Lifetime Achievement Award video
Community Enhancement Award
Tammy Mann, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Campagna Center, was honored for leadership in providing educational and social support programs for children and families, guiding them from birth through adulthood.
Since 1945, Campagna has served the Alexandria community in Northern Virginia through a range of initiatives that address the learning needs of underserved populations. The organization now serves more than 2,000 youth and adults each day.
Its programs include Campagna Kids, which encourages creative thinking among elementary students through before- and after-school activities, as well as seasonal sessions. The Wright to Read program connects volunteer tutors with students needing reading support, while New Neighbors offers English classes and support services for immigrants and refugees in the region.
Community Enhancement Award video
Hill-Robinson Expansion of Freedom Award
The Rev. Tyler C. Millner Sr. was recognized for his leadership in political and community activism, dedicating more than 50 years to advocating for those in need and ensuring that every voice is heard.
A lifelong advocate for justice and equality, Millner has been inspired by the vision of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., working to build a “beloved community” grounded in compassion and civic engagement.
Following the establishment of the King holiday as a federal and state observance, Virginia Union University entrusted Millner to organize an annual remembrance celebration to honor King’s legacy of public service. He is the founder of Community Learning Week, now known as Community Leaders Breakfast, Richmond’s official annual commemoration of King. This celebration has grown into a national model for honoring his enduring impact on social justice and community engagement.
Hill-Robinson Expansion of Freedom Award video
Scholarship recipients Natalie Maddox, Jackie Okao, Isaac Yeboah, and Anna Skillin pose with Governor L. Douglas Wilder and Wilder School Dean Susan Gooden.
Unsung Hero Award
Mark Greenough was honored for his passionate storytelling and deep knowledge of Virginia’s state Capitol, bringing its rich history to life for more than two decades.
In 2002, Greenough was appointed supervisor of Capitol Guides, leading tours that explore the remarkable stories and events that have unfolded within “Mr. Jefferson’s” Capitol since 1785.
With only an hour to cover centuries of history, Greenough captivates visitors with engaging narratives that highlight the building’s architecture, legal and political milestones, and contributions of women and African Americans. Whether guiding state leaders, dignitaries or the public, Greenough tailors each tour to his audience, earning a reputation for must-see experiences that engage and inspire visitors of all ages.
Grace E. Harris Leadership Award
Eva Teig Hardy was recognized for her contributions in both the public and private sectors, with a steadfast commitment to public service, health, mental well-being and national peace efforts.
A seasoned leader in government and corporate administration, Hardy served as an advisor to U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, as well as Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe. She was appointed Virginia secretary of health and human services by Gov. Gerald Baliles, and she oversaw 17 state agencies, including those related to Medicaid, social services and mental health. During her tenure, she launched one of the nation’s first confidential AIDS testing and counseling programs and led Virginia’s largest-ever community mental health initiative.
Hardy’s leadership extended to international diplomacy when President Bill Clinton selected her to accompany him to the historic peace treaty signing between Israel and Jordan. She later transitioned to the corporate sector, joining Virginia Power, which later became Dominion Energy, where she spent 20 years as executive vice president of public policy and communications, overseeing operations across nine states.
Grace E. Harris Leadership Award video
Innovation in Government Award
Robert David Sr. was honored for founding Project Imagine, the first community violence prevention program for high-risk and gang-affiliated youth in Danville in Virginia’s Southside region.
As the violence prevention manager for the city of Danville, David launched the award-winning Project Imagine in 2018 in response to rises in youth gun and gang violence. The program is a work-readiness initiative for individuals ages 15 to 21, providing employment education, on-the-job training, life skills instruction and mentorship. By offering a pathway to opportunity, Project Imagine has helped 165 young people transition off the streets and has become a national model for small cities.
Beyond his work in violence prevention, David is an accomplished author and motivational speaker, known for his ability to build relationships, develop collaborative strategies and guide individuals toward success.
Innovation in Government Award video
