Madison, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers announced that nominations are now open for the 43rd annual Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award, recognizing the contribution and achievements of individuals in Wisconsin state government. This recognition is sponsored by Wisconsin Women in Government.

“The Virginia Hart Award has always emphasized celebrating individuals in state government dedicated to public service, and who go above and beyond to help the people of Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “Virginia Hart’s leadership and tremendous legacy live on through this award honoring her, as well as through the amazing women over the last four decades who’ve earned this recognition in Virginia’s name for their exceptional public 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 individual contributions to state government.

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

Nominations are accepted through September 11, 2026. All individuals employed in state government are eligible and 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 an award ceremony at the State Capitol on October 23, 2026.

The Virginia Hart Recognition is administered by the Department of Administration. The nomination form and additional eligibility requirements are available on the nomination page. Please submit all nominations by September 11, 2026, to Hart Recognition Committee, Attn: Briann Padrutt, by email at briann.padrutt@wisconsin.gov.