Press Release: Gov. Evers Seeking Nominations for Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Tony Evers, Governor

Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary-designee

Gov. Evers Seeking Nominations for Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award

Madison, Wis. –  Governor Tony Evers announced today that he is seeking nominations for the 39^th annual Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award, recognizing the contribution and achievements of women in the Wisconsin state government.

“The Virginia Hart Award has always emphasized celebrating women in state government dedicated to serving the people of Wisconsin and who go above and beyond to help others,” said Gov. Evers. “There is no doubt that Ms. Hart’s leadership and tremendous legacy live on through this award.”

Virginia Hart was Wisconsin's first woman to hold the cabinet secretary position, serving as Secretary of the Department of Regulation and Licensing, chairperson of the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations, and chairperson of the Labor and Industry Review Commission. Following her retirement, Ms. Hart's friends and colleagues established a fund in 1983 to annually recognize a woman's contributions to state government.

The Virginia Hart Award recognizes "unsung heroines" in state service who share the following qualities: esteem from peers; acceptance of responsibility beyond the limits of the nominee's job description; sustained extraordinary achievement of assigned tasks; performance recognition from clients; community service; self-improvement; and overcoming handicaps to performance.

Anyone can make nominations, which are accepted through September 9, 2022. All women employed in state government are eligible. The winner will receive $250 and will be honored during the award ceremony at the State Capitol Society on October 21, 2022. 

The Virginia Hart Award is administered by the Department of Administration (DOA). The nomination form and additional eligibility requirements are available on the Division of Personnel Management website. Please submit all nominations by September 9, 2022, to Hart Recognition Committee, Attn: Nicole Bailie, by email at: nicole.bailie@wisconsin.gov.