Center for the Future of Arizona Honors Public Service Award Recipients
The Center for the Future of Arizona has awarded its annual Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards to four outstanding non-elected public servants. The awards recognize their significant contributions to Arizona communities.
The Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) has recognized four public servants for their impactful work across the state, presenting them with the 2026 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards. The ceremony took place during the Arizona City and County Management Association (ACMA) Summer Conference.
Kelsey Lamphier, Ana Urquijo, Billy Kovacs, and Christopher Avery were honored as recipients. The awards are presented annually to non-elected public servants who demonstrate exceptional leadership, contribute to community improvement, and enhance governmental effectiveness in Arizona.
Dr. Sybil Francis, CFA Chair, President & CEO, highlighted that the honorees' work, often behind the scenes, profoundly impacts Arizonans daily. She stated they represent the best of public service, strengthening communities and embodying the spirit of "The Arizona We Want."
Named in honor of Gabe Zimmerman, former Community Outreach Director for U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, the awards acknowledge Arizona's non-elected public servants whose leadership and service leave a lasting impact. The program is presented in partnership with the Zimmerman family and ACMA.