George Washington University hosted the 23rd Calvin Cafritz Awards Gala for distinguished D.C. government employees June 24 in recognition of outstanding performance and exemplary service. Held in partnership with the GW Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL), the celebration was held in the University Student Center (USC) and featured a live band and sit-down dinner for scores of D.C. government workers, families and friends.
The awards were established in 2000 by Calvin Cafritz, a businessman and philanthropist who championed and invested in public service throughout his life. Individual winners are awarded $7,500 each and teams receive $15,000 for playing a critical role that goes beyond their responsibility of service to the residents of Washington, D.C.
In welcoming remarks, GW President Ellen Granberg thanked Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation President and CEO Jane Lipton Cafritz for her “generosity, vision and continued partnership and ongoing support of GW in many areas,” including the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL) and the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service.
Granberg noted that the USC space where the event took place proudly bears the name of the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Conference Center is “one of the most active spaces on campus…a hub for community building, dialogue and connection…and a perfect setting for the celebration.”
“Our entire community is deeply committed to public service,” Granberg said. “I am especially proud to have the opportunity to help celebrate these honors.” She said the awardees’ “innovation, their creativity and their tireless effort make our city a better place to live, work and serve.”
Cafritz said she is reminded each year of the “talent, commitment and tireless work that has strengthened our city and improved the lives of its residents in meaningful and lasting ways. Often working without fanfare, you meet challenges with innovation, professionalism and care.”
Natalie Houghtby-Haddon, executive director of CEPL, which is housed in GW’s College of Professional Studies, explained that the selection panel goes through a rigorous process in looking to bring “positive recognition to public employees of the District of Columbia as innovators who turn bold ideas into practical results.”
“They are problem solvers who meet complex challenges with determination and skill, and they are individuals and teams whose dedication consistently rises above expectation and inspires others to do the same,” Houghtby-Haddon said.
This year, finalists were recognized and asked to stand before the winners were announced. Houghtby-Haddon mentioned that there were more team applications than individual applications, which “reminds us that lasting progress is rarely the work of one person alone.”
“Each [award] represents the promise of public service,” she said.
The 23rd Calvin Cafritz Awards Winners:
- Nancy Boyd
Nurse educator, Department of Behavioral Health
When the COVID-19 pandemic led to shortages of staff at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, Boyd created a system for screening, fit testing and supporting vaccination for up to 500 frontline workers and staff daily across multiple sites. The targeted intervention during the crisis redefined safety in behavioral health care, creating systems where caregivers are protected, empowered and able to deliver the highest quality of care.
- Lindsey DuBose
Supervisor compliance specialist, Metropolitan Police Department
Working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia and the Office of the Attorney General, DuBose improved accountability for tracking and managing evidence, strengthening the integrity of investigations and case outcomes. She developed a customized release report that has since been adopted as the department’s official process. Her training of staff led to reduced errors and greater interagency coordination and efficiency.
- Alvin Layne
Data analyst, Office of the Inspector General/Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU)
A native Washingtonian, Layne has worked through multiple mayoral administrations beginning in the Department of Corrections, where he “treated all individuals including those convicted of crimes with fairness and dignity.” In the MFCU, he modernized operations from paper to electronic documents, ultimately upgrading the agency’s legacy case management system which became a model for other states’ systems. He was recognized for consistently improving government processes and agency efficiency while serving the residents of the District with pride.
- Karissa Minnich
Civic design manager, Office of the City Administrator
Over the past nine years, Minnich has worked with her team at The Lab @ DC to redesign over 60 forms across 15 D.C. government agencies. These forms are used to request business licenses, childcare vouchers, residential disability parking and food assistance while minimizing pain points and revising language to reduce redundancy. This has translated into less friction for residents in accessing government services and smoother administration for government staff.
- Anthony Snead
Recreation specialist, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)
Snead serves by building community trust with a selfless approach, partnering in the Trinidad area of the city with Wheatley Education Campus, the local ANC, Cure the Streets and other businesses and organizations. He developed platforms and initiatives such as Young Ladies on the Rise, Young Men Future Leaders and others. DPR Chief of Staff Gina Simpson said Snead connects with teachers, coaches and young people and their families, “through an authenticity that is really endearing.”
- Office of Program Review, Monitoring & Investigations/Stolen Benefits Team (OPRMI)
Christa Phillips, Paul Bowman, Ainslie MacLeod and Ebony Davis, Department of Human Services
A rise in stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through card skimming left many D.C. residents without access to essential resources and no reimbursement process for customers who were affected. The OPRMI winning team designed a rapid review system to quickly regain access to the critical food assistance, reimbursing thousands of customer benefits often within days.
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation also announced that it was awarding Mayor Muriel Bowser, who could not be present, the Meritorious Service Award for her leadership and steadfast dedication to public service and many contributions to D.C.
