Press Release: Gov. Evers Seeking Nominations for Virginia Hart 40th Annual Award

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Tony Evers, Governor

Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary

Gov. Evers Seeking Nominations for Virginia Hart 40th Annual Award

Madison, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers announced today that he is seeking nominations for the 40^th annual Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award, recognizing the contribution and achievements of women in the Wisconsin state government. This recognition is sponsored by Wisconsin Women in Government.  

“For 40 years, the Virginia Hart Award has celebrated the accomplishments of women in state government dedicated to serving the people of Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “As we continue to honor Ms. Hart’s tremendous leadership and legacy through this award, we look forward to recognizing many more ‘unsung heroines’ who go above and beyond in helping others through state service.”

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 women in state service who share the following qualities: esteem and recognition from peers; acceptance of responsibility beyond the limits of the nominee's job description; sustained extraordinary achievement; community service; self-improvement; and overcoming hardships.

All women employed in state government are eligible, and nominations are open through September 8, 2023. Anyone can make a nomination. The winner will receive a reward stipend from the Virginia Hart Fund of the Wisconsin Women in Government Council and will be honored during the award ceremony at the State Capitol on October 27, 2023. 

The Virginia Hart Award is administered by the Department of Administration (DOA). A downloadable nomination form and full list of eligibility requirements are available at the following link: Division of Personnel Management How to Make a Nomination (wi.gov).

Please submit all nominations by September 8, 2023, to Hart Recognition Committee, Attn: Nicole Bailie, by email at: nicole.bailie@wisconsin.gov