Outstanding HR and talent management achievements in the public sector rarely get recognized beyond the agency where they happen. Nationwide (myNPSJ.com) is changing that with the new Talent Management Star Award, which honors one standout HR or talent professional from a small, a medium, and a large public agency.

Who Is Eligible

The award recognizes outstanding talent acquisition and management staff in cities, counties, and special districts nationwide. One winner will be chosen from each size category: small, medium, and large public agencies.

What Winners Receive

• A featured spotlight in an upcoming Nationwide newsletter, read by 13,000 job seekers and 3,000 employers across the public sector
• A Talent Management Star Award, shipped to their office

Thank You to Those Who Nominated a Colleague in 2026

Thank you to everyone who nominated a colleague for a 2026 Talent Management Star Award. We loved learning about the exceptional professionals working in public-sector human resources. While we could not recognize everyone, every nominee is a star in our eyes. Winners will be announced in the October issue.

Nominate Someone Next Year

Nominations open each August, with awards announced in October. For the next cycle, nominations open on Tuesday, August 3, 2027, and close on Wednesday, September 15, 2027. Nominating takes less than five minutes.

Download the Nomination Form

Know someone whose work deserves the spotlight? Keep them in mind for next year!