In a recent episode of The Good Government Show, I sat down with Dr. Kathryn Newcomer, president of the Flemming Awards Commission, to learn about this powerful, yet largely unsung, institution. “You don’t get a Flemming Award just for doing your job,” she said. “These recipients go beyond.”
From Clean Water to Clean Air—and Even the Stars
The Flemming Awards spotlight early-to-mid-career government employees who have delivered exceptional public service across science, leadership, law, and policy. Some names are legendary—Neil Armstrong, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Robert Gates. Others, like the 2023 honorees, are brilliant forces for change still flying under the radar.
Take, for example, a pediatric hematologist at the National Cancer Institute who developed groundbreaking treatments for ultra-rare immune disorders. Or the Department of Justice lawyer who helped secure a $1.675 billion Clean Air Act penalty against an engine manufacturer. Or a leader from the Indian Health Service, now shaping clean water access nationwide—motivated by childhood memories of being told, “Don’t drink the water today.”
“These are people you’d be honored to have dinner with,” said Dr. Newcomer. “They’re scientists, lawyers, and leaders—but above all, they’re committed public servants.”
A Tradition Rooted in Retention
The awards were launched in 1948 by Arthur Flemming, a towering figure in U.S. government who served seven presidents and led agencies ranging from HEW (now HHS) to the Social Security Administration. Flemming believed the federal government needed to not just recruit talent—but retain it.
Today, the program is jointly administered by George Washington University and the National Academy of Public Administration, with awardees selected by an independent panel of experts.
“Many of our winners could earn far more in the private sector,” said Newcomer. “But they choose to stay because they believe in public service.”
Shining a Light in Difficult Times
At a time when federal agencies face shutdowns, staffing shortages, and political attacks, the Flemming Awards offer hope. “This year’s ceremony happened during a government shutdown,” noted Newcomer. “But these winners never stopped doing their jobs—and doing them brilliantly.”
One awardee from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) helped develop lump-sum estimates for previously uncompensated victims of the 9/11 attacks. Another award-winning physicist continues to work in government despite winning a Nobel Prize. “He could be anywhere,” Newcomer added. “But he stays. He believes in this mission.”
Want to Know What Good Government Looks Like?
Then meet the Flemming Award winners. “There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of incredible government workers like them,” Newcomer emphasized. “We want more agencies to nominate their people—and more Americans to know their stories.”
These awardees prove that good government isn’t a myth. It’s measurable. It’s meaningful. And it’s happening all around us—if we take time to look.
Listen to the full episode of The Good Government Show to meet Kathryn Newcomer and hear the voices behind one of America’s oldest and most inspiring public service honors.
👉 Available now on all podcast platforms and at goodgovernmentshow.com