Governor's Service Awards Nominations Open

Andy Beshear GOVERNOR CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES SERVE KENTUCKY 275 East Main Street, 3W-E Frankfort, Kentucky 40621 Phone: (502) 564-7420 Steven Stack, MD SECRETARY Statewide News Release Media Contact: Kendra Steele 502.352.3586 kendra.steele@ky.gov Beth Fisher 502.229.6529 beth.fisher@ky.gov Gov. Beshear Opens Nominations to Recognize Contributions of Community Volunteers Nomination deadline for Governor’s Service Awards is Jan. 6 FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 11, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that the commonwealth is now accepting nominations for the Governor’s Service Awards, which honor extraordinary Kentuckians whose dedicated service is improving the lives of others. This is the 30th year for the service awards, which recognize the contributions of Kentuckians to their fellow citizens. Each year, a special ceremony is held to publicly honor the recipients and others who have given to their communities through volunteering and service without expectation of reward or commendation. “My faith teaches me that we should care for our neighbors, and this event is a meaningful reminder of how Team Kentucky works to lift each other up,” said Gov. Beshear. “If you know of selfless individuals or organizations whose dedication has strengthened your community, please take a moment to nominate them and help ensure their efforts are recognized.” Nominations are open to all Kentuckians now through Jan. 6, 2026, and must be submitted using the online form. More information is available on Serve Kentucky’s website: serve.ky.gov. Nominators are encouraged to provide detailed examples of service activities, impact, leadership and community outcomes. A statewide panel will review all submissions, and selected honorees will be

recognized at a ceremony in Frankfort in April. “Kentucky is strengthened every day by dedicated volunteers whose service reflects the very best of who we are as a commonwealth,” said Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “To every volunteer across Kentucky, your compassion, generosity and willingness to serve make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of our communities. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for rising above what is asked of you.” The Governor’s Service Awards recognize outstanding contributions across a wide range of categories, including individual volunteers, youth, AmeriCorps members, nonprofits, volunteer groups, veteran volunteers, faith-based organizations and businesses that champion community service. Nominations may highlight service in areas such as education, public health, food security, disaster response, social supports, community revitalization, nonprofit leadership and more. Serve Kentucky Executive Director Joe Bringardner said the state service commission advocates for and helps support effective volunteer program management, administers Kentucky’s AmeriCorps national service programs and recognizes volunteer service across the state through its annual Governor’s Service Awards. Working together – through communication, cooperation and collaboration – volunteers can improve their own lives as well as the lives of others in their communities. “Volunteers are at the heart of Kentucky’s communities, helping meet local needs big and small,” said Bringardner. “From community service to national programs, military duty or public service, every act of service is invaluable. We are honored to celebrate and recognize those who dedicate their time to improving the lives of fellow Kentuckians.” Serve Kentucky administers AmeriCorps State programs and promotes volunteerism across the commonwealth. The organization supports initiatives in education, public health, disaster services, food security, environmental stewardship and community strengthening. To learn more or get involved visit serve.ky.gov. ### Information on how the state is working to improve the lives and health of our people is available at CHFS.ky.gov. Follow the cabinet on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.