Governor Evers recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for their service at the 2026 Governor's Service Awards

On June 24, Serve Wisconsin hosted the 2026 Governor Service Awards, an annual event that recognizes volunteers across Wisconsin for the impact of their service. Governor Tony Evers celebrated the honorees at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, stating that, “All of the individuals and programs being honored here today have done extraordinary work in service for communities all across the state. This year we're recognizing 14 individual honorees, two organizations, and a whopping 49 AmeriCorps senior volunteers who have reached 20 years of service.” Governor Evers highlighted the importance of their service efforts, reflecting that, “As a now 50 year public servant myself, I know that public service can be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding and important work, whether it's helping communities in need, cleaning up and protecting our natural spaces, or supporting veterans and their families.”

Governor Evers was joined in celebrating the honorees by Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, who stated that, “We are so fortunate to have such wonderful volunteers, and so grateful for your generosity of spirit, and we are excited to be here today to celebrate you and your impact.” The Governor's Service Awards are organized by Serve Wisconsin, the state service commission responsible for supporting the work of AmeriCorps programs and promoting volunteerism throughout the state, which is housed within the Wisconsin Department of Administration. The awards annually honor outstanding Wisconsin volunteers, AmeriCorps members, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, and national service organizations that address serious social needs across Wisconsin.

“Each year, this ceremony leaves me humbled and inspired,” reflected Serve Wisconsin Executive Director Kyle Clower. “The honorees we recognize today represent the very best of Wisconsin, people who give of themselves, who uplift others, and remind us of the power of compassion in action. Their selfless contributions have created lasting positive change, and we're proud to share their stories with you today.”

“During our ceremony today, we will be able to highlight just a small fraction of the impact that these honorees have had for the people of our state, but we hope they can serve as an inspiration for others as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States this summer,” continued Clower.  “One of the goals of the US Semiquincentennial Commission, also known as America 250, is to build America's legacy of giving back and inspire renewed culture of service this year and for years to come.” He then highlighted how the event served as an America 250 project, thanking the AmeriCorps members from throughout the state that spent the morning packing over 2000 snack packs and 1800 menstrual hygiene packs that would be deliver to local nonprofits to provide to individuals in need. He thanked the honorees and project participants, telling them, “Your efforts are building stronger, more connected communities. You are playing a vital role in making Wisconsin a better place to live, and we hope that even more people join these efforts to support their neighbors and to strengthen their communities.”

These thoughts were echoed by Governor Evers, who stated that, “I declared 2026 the ‘Year of the Neighbor’ because I want to spend this year celebrating all the outstanding neighbors who make our state the great place it is to call home, and this includes all of you. Whether starting your service as a student or making an impact during your retirement, your service has touched the lives of many people across our state in a whole bunch of ways.” Governor Evers explained that, “The work AmeriCorps does makes a real difference in people's lives. Take today's service as just one example…There is no denying that the overall success of our state has always relied on hard work and dedication of individuals and organizations like you. That is why it's so important that as a state, we support you just as you have supported us…Thank you again for your dedicated service to Wisconsin and the people of the state, and congratulations to this year's award recipients.”   

A recording of the ceremony is available at https://youtu.be/ICnnrWKwpIk

Group photograph of all 2026 honorees with Governor Evers is available at https://www.servewisconsin.wi.gov/s/Picture-of-all-2026-Governors-Service-Awards-Honorees.jpg

Service descriptions for each honoree are available at https://www.servewisconsin.wi.gov/s/Service-Descriptions-2026-Governors-Service-Awards.pdf

Additional information about the Governor's Service Awards can be found at https://www.servewisconsin.wi.gov/governors-service-awards

2026 Governor's Service Awards Honorees

AmeriCorps Member of the Year

• Callie Grones – Marshfield Clinic Community Corps serving at Friends of the Lake Superior Research Reserve – Superior, WI
• Rebecca King - Marshfield Clinic Community Corps serving at United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth County – Whitewater, WI
• JaVeon Matthews – Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services serving at Pathfinders – Milwaukee, WI

AmeriCorps Member of the Year

• Green Bay Conservation Corps – Green Bay, WI

AmeriCorps Alumni of the Year

• Eric Hoffman - Ampact (Wisconsin Reading Corps and Math Corps) – Appleton, WI
• Tom Schalmo - Waukesha North High School – Waukesha, WI

AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer of the Year

• Michael Abraham - ADVOCAP RSVP Transportation Program – Oshkosh, WI
• Dianne Zenz - Coulee Region RSVP – La Crosse, WI   

AmeriCorps Seniors Program of the Year

• RSVP of Rock County - Seniors Volunteering for Seniors Program – Beloit, WI

Marty Stein Friend of National Service Exemplary Supporter

• Emily Greene – Schools of Hope – United Way of Dane County – Madison, WI

Volunteer of the Year

• Amanda Braverman-Brohn - Moving Forward Foundation – Verona, WI
• Sophia Chen - Youth4Youth – Madison, WI
• Pete Daly - Health Justice Clinic at the Center for Patient Partnerships – Madison, WI
• Kaylee Kriha - Winnebago County Veterans Services – Appleton, WI (Veteran Volunteer)
• Amber McKenna, MD - University of Wisconsin - Madison – Madison, WI
• Ali Warraich - Alzheimer’s & Dementia Carebridge and Senior Helpers Racine – Brookfield, WI 

AMERICORPS SENIORS VOLUNTEERS WITH 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

In addition to these nomination-based awards, the Governor’s Service Awards will also recognize all AmeriCorps Senior Volunteers who will have reached their 20th year of volunteer service between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

Coulee Region RSVP

• Marilyn Horn
• Carol Maier
• Sue Anne Ross
• Mary Ann Snapp
• Marlene Stolpa

Milwaukee County and Waukesha County RSVP

• Darlene Boho
• Susanne Gay
• Tom Kress
• Brad Schimel
• Rosemary Watta

MKE Foster Grandparent Program of KAFASI

• Mary Dawson
• Georgia Dennis
• Earma Eggerson
• Edwina Matthews

NWCSA RSVP

• Evelyn Luttinen

RSVP of Brown County

• Carol Borremans
• Darlene Charneski

RSVP of Dane County

• John J. Anderson
• Fred Appleton
• Jane Burkholder
• Thomas P. Cantwell
• Juanita Harbort
• Monna S. Kolbe
• Margie Krauskopf
• John D. Luther
• Marcella Ortman
• Terry Ortman
• Barb Schoenberg
• Elaine Swenson
• Victoria Weasler
• Kathy Wilson

RSVP of Portage County

• James Basinski
• Judith Carlson
• Stan Carlson
• Carolyn Coulthurst
• Tom Parker

RSVP of Racine County

• Janet Brown-Exner
• Tom Burger
• Judie Nielsen
• Curt Pruitt
• Cliff Vacek

RSVP of Rock County

• Ed Hanson
• Betty Johnston
• Mary Seger

Volunteer Fox Cities

• Sue Appleton
• Marvin Hietpas
• Jim Reid

Western Dairyland RSVP

• Kathy Kovell
• Jane Matchey

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Serve Wisconsin works with AmeriCorps programs and volunteer organizations throughout the state of Wisconsin to address, educational, environmental, public health and other community needs. AmeriCorps members enrich the lives of the people and communities they serve and their own lives through professional and personal development. Serve Wisconsin is governed by a 21-member citizen body appointed by Governor Evers. For more information, visit https://www.servewisconsin.wi.gov/.