Center for the Future of Arizona Honors 2026 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards Recipients

The people shaping Arizona's future every day aren't always the ones in the spotlight, but their impact is felt in communities across the state.

From expanding opportunities for lifelong learning to advancing economic growth, fostering civic participation, and securing Arizona's water future, four outstanding public servants were recognized at the 2026 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards during the Arizona City and County Management Association (ACMA) Summer Conference. Presented annually by Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), the awards recognize non-elected public servants whose leadership strengthens communities, improves government, and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of Arizonans. Chosen through a competitive statewide nomination process by an independent volunteer selection committee representing government, business, nonprofit, and civic leadership, this year's recipients exemplify the highest standards of public service in Arizona.

This year's recipients include Kelsey Lamphier, Ana Urquijo, Billy Kovacs, and Christopher Avery. Collectively, they represent decades of public service and a shared commitment to solving complex challenges, improving people's lives, and building stronger Arizona communities.

2026 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards Recipients

"These individuals represent the very best of public service," said Dr. Sybil Francis, CFA Chair, President & CEO. "Their work often happens behind the scenes, yet it has a profound impact on the lives of Arizonans every day. Through their leadership, innovation, and commitment to serving others, they strengthen communities and exemplify the spirit of public service that helps build The Arizona We Want."

Named in honor of Gabe Zimmerman, Community Outreach Director for U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who lost his life in the 2011 Tucson mass shooting, the awards recognize Arizona's non-elected public servants whose leadership, innovation, and service leave a lasting impact on communities across Arizona. The Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards are presented in partnership with the Zimmerman family and ACMA.

2026 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards

Community Builder Award – Large Community

Kelsey Lamphier, Library Department Director for the City of Surprise, received the Community Builder Award for large communities, recognizing public servants who inspire civic pride, strengthen community connections, and improve quality of life.

Kelsey has dedicated her career to building stronger, more connected communities through innovative and responsive public service. As the Director of the Surprise Public Library System, a newly established city department, she has expanded access to lifelong learning, strengthened civic engagement, and transformed a bold vision into meaningful community impact. Throughout her career, Kelsey has championed collaboration, empowered her teams, and created opportunities that enrich the lives of Surprise residents.

Community Builder Award – Small Community

Ana Urquijo, City Manager for the City of Douglas, received the Community Builder Award for small communities, again recognizing public servants who inspire civic pride, strengthen community connections, and improve quality of life.

A Douglas native and third-generation community member, Ana has devoted nearly four decades to public service and returned home to help lead the city's next chapter. As City Manager, she has guided strategic investments in infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and economic development while advancing the transformative Two Port Solution, positioning Douglas as a gateway for international trade and long-term growth. Her collaborative leadership and unwavering commitment to her community continue to create new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

Emerging Leader Award

Billy Kovacs, Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs Director for the Office of Governor Katie Hobbs, received the Emerging Leader Award, recognizing an early-career public servant whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to service are making a lasting difference.

Throughout his public service career, Billy has built strong partnerships across all levels of government to advance solutions that improve the lives of Arizonans. As the Governor's lead liaison to the White House, Congress, and federal agencies, he helps ensure Arizona's priorities are represented on issues ranging from infrastructure and water to border policy, housing, and economic development. His collaborative leadership, ability to navigate complex challenges, and commitment to delivering meaningful results exemplify the next generation of public service.

Civic Leader Award

Christopher Avery, Chief Water Counsel & Principal Assistant City Attorney for the City of Tucson, received the Civic Leader Award, recognizing a career dedicated to strengthening Arizona communities through exceptional public service.

For more than 25 years, Chris has helped shape Arizona's water future by guiding Tucson through its transition to Colorado River water use and advancing solutions to some of the region's most complex environmental challenges. Through collaboration with federal, tribal, state, regional, and local partners, he has helped secure the long-term water resources and infrastructure Southern Arizona depends on. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to public service and a lasting legacy of protecting one of Arizona's most vital resources while strengthening communities for generations to come.

Learn more about the 2026 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards recipients

While their responsibilities span different professions and communities, this year's honorees share a common purpose: improving the lives of the people they serve. Their leadership reflects the enduring spirit of service that the Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards were created to recognize and celebrate. This celebration is made possible in part through the generous support of Cox Communications, Desert Diamond Casino, and Banner|Aetna, whose commitment to Arizona's communities helps elevate the value and impact of public service.

Eligible nominees include non-elected public servants serving Arizona cities and towns, counties, special districts, tribal governments, state agencies, and congressional offices.

The 2026 independent volunteer selection committee included:

• The Honorable Amanda Aguirre (Co-Chair), Former State Senator and President & CEO, Regional Council for Border Health
• Evelyn Casuga (Co-Chair), Governing Board Member, Central Arizona College
• Lisa Atkins, Board Member, Central Arizona Project; Former Arizona State Land Commissioner
• Holly Figueroa, Tribal Relations Project Manager, White Mountain Apache Behavioral Health Services
• Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation
• Jan Lesher, County Manager, Pima County
• Alexa Lucchese, Government Affairs Manager, Southern Arizona, Cox Communications
• Emily Nottingham, Ph.D., Retired City of Tucson Administrator and mother of Gabe Zimmerman
• Steve Peru, Retired Local Government Manager, Coconino County
• Marilyn Rodriguez, Partner, Creosote Partners
• Paul Senseman, Principal, Policy Development Group
• Rosemary Ybarra Hernandez, CEO, AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute, Inc.
• Ross Zimmerman, President, Beyond Foundation and father of Gabe Zimmerman