The new fiscal year brings big expectations. With an administration prioritizing efficiency, AI-driven innovation, and product-focused delivery, the way government and industry work together will matter more than ever. Meeting the moment will require leaders who know how to engage – with intention, humility, and a shared sense of mission.
The 2026 Engage honorees are those leaders. Nominated and selected by their peers, they are recognized not for their titles, but for how they show up. They make time to listen. They create space for others. They lead by example – building trust, sharing insight, and connecting across boundaries to drive forward real, workable solutions.
These individuals are already shaping how Federal agencies deliver on behalf of the people they serve. As we prepare to begin this new fiscal year, they are the leaders others look to for guidance, collaboration, and momentum.
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and those volunteers who took part in the review, continuing to elevate those who are #doingitright.
This year’s Honorees
- Meet the 2026 Engage Fed Health 150: Where Connection Fuels Impact
- Meet the 2026 Engage Fed Citizen Services 150: Where Connection Fuels Impact
- Meet the 2026 Engage National Security And Enforcement 150: Where Connection Fuels Impact
** Watch for additional categories to be announced over the coming weeks. See prior year’s recipients below.
What Sets Engage Leaders Apart?
Nominees were evaluated using a prescribed rubric, with the following six characteristics serving as core evaluation criteria. These qualities reflect what it truly means to lead with purpose, collaboration, and impact in today’s Federal environment:
Open Communication – They share insights-through events, published thought pieces, or open platforms like LinkedIn – because they believe transparency and shared knowledge drive progress.
Mission-Focused Thinking – Their perspective extends beyond organizational walls. They prioritize the needs of the communities they serve, actively seeking feedback and collaboration to drive better outcomes.
Reliable Partnership – They lead with clarity, humility, and accountability. These individuals are trusted partners who understand their role – and the roles of others – and consistently deliver on shared goals.
Community Presence – These leaders are actively involved. Whether at events, in working groups, or through mentorship, they show up, contribute, and help lift the entire ecosystem.
Perspective-Seeking – Engaged leaders welcome input from a wide range of stakeholders – including users, partners, and community voices – to inform more complete, inclusive, and effective solutions.
Innovation-Minded – They challenge the status quo. By championing new technologies, processes, and ideas, they help drive progress and adaptability in an increasingly complex environment.
#engagefedgov
See who previously met the bar:
- Meet the 2025 Engage Fed Citizen Services 150: Driving Innovation Forward!
- Meet the 2025 Engage Fed Health 150: Driving Innovation Forward!
- Meet the 2025 Engage National Security 100: Driving Innovation Forward!
- Meet the 2024 Federal Health sector Honorees here.
- Meet the 2024 Engage Homeland and National Security sector Honorees here.
- Meet the 2024 Engage Federal Citizen Services sector Honorees here.
- Meet the 2024 Engage Federal Financials sector Honorees here.
- Meet the 2023 Engage FedGov Honorees here.
