Tim Gribben
Former Commissioner, U.S. Department of the Treasury
Bureau of the Fiscal Service
Robert W. King Memorial Award
AGA’s highest honor, the Robert W. King Memorial Award was established in honor of AGA’s founding president; the award is presented to an AGA member for distinguished service of such significance that it has greatly enhanced AGA’s national prestige and stature.
The 2026 Robert W. King Memorial Award is presented to Tim Gribben, former commissioner of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service. A respected leader in federal financial management, Tim has advanced enterprise-wide transformation through data-driven decision-making, shared services and operational excellence. His collaborative leadership, commitment to innovation and dedication to mentoring future leaders have made a lasting impact on the federal financial management community.
Einhorn-Gary Award
The Einhorn-Gary Award recognizes major contributions to promoting government accountability that have significantly enhanced AGA’s prestige and stature.
The 2026 Einhorn-Gary Award is presented to Jim Arnette. Throughout his 42-year career with the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, Jim strengthened financial oversight, transparency and accountability for local governments across Tennessee. A dedicated AGA leader and past national president, he expanded the association’s impact through education, inclusivity and state and local engagement. His leadership and commitment to developing future leaders embody the values of the Einhorn-Gary Award.
Jim Arnette
Michelle Wilson
Deputy Chief of Accounts
Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration
Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award
The Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award is conferred upon an individual in government service who has provided sustained, outstanding leadership in monetary management, resulting in notable contributions and impact to the profession.
The 2026 Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award is presented to Michelle Wilson, Deputy Chief of Accounts, Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration. Michelle is recognized for her outstanding leadership in advancing governmental financial management in Tennessee. She led the statewide accounting initiative that centralized accounting functions across 35 agencies, strengthening oversight and improving efficiency. Her leadership also enhanced internal controls, reduced audit findings and established a sustainable workforce model that continues to strengthen financial management across state government.
Educator Award
The Educator Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the education and training of government financial managers.
The 2026 Educator Award is presented to Mike Wetklow, academic director and faculty instructor at George Mason University. Mike is recognized for his leadership in advancing government financial management through STEM education and workforce development. By combining decades of federal executive experience with innovative teaching, he has prepared the next generation of public sector leaders, including mentoring the first-place team at AGA’s 2026 Datathon.
Mike Wetklow
Academic Director and Faculty Instructor
George Mason University
George (Doc) Kosinski
Director of Strategy, Policy, and Plans
Office of International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
International Achievement Award
The International Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement or leadership in the field of international government financial management. This award honors individuals whose contributions have had a meaningful impact on financial practices, accountability, or performance beyond the United States.
The 2026 International Achievement Award is presented to Z. George “Doc” Kosinski, director of strategy, policy and plans for the Office of International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. George is recognized for strengthening international financial governance for DHS by improving transparency, accountability and financial oversight for overseas operations. His leadership advanced sustainable funding solutions, enhanced support for personnel serving abroad and strengthened financial management across international missions.
Relmond P. Van Daniker Government Transparency Award
The Relmond P. Van Daniker Government Transparency Award recognizes outstanding reporting by a government or government agency in the past year through the generation of a report, website, dashboard, information display, or other tool for the public and/or government officials.
The 2026 Relmond P. Van Daniker Government Transparency Award is presented to Steve Webb, finance director for the City of Cincinnati. Steve is recognized for leading CincyInsights, the city’s visual open-data portal that promotes transparency, accountability and informed decision-making. By making government data more accessible, the initiative empowers residents to engage with their community and supports improved public services.
Steve Webb
Finance Director
City of Cincinnati
Financial Statement Oversight Team of the U.S. Department of Education
Achievement of the Year Award
The Achievement of the Year Award recognizes leadership or outstanding achievement in developing, implementing, and improving financial management in government service in the past year.
The 2026 Achievement Award is presented to the Financial Statement Oversight Team of the U.S. Department of Education. The team is recognized for achieving a clean audit opinion on the department’s fiscal year 2025 balance sheet after years of audit disclaimers. Their collaborative efforts strengthened financial accountability and demonstrated a sustained commitment to excellence in federal financial management.
Emerging Leader Award of Excellence
The Emerging Leader Award of Excellence recognizes government employees who have demonstrated sustained, outstanding leadership; made notable contributions to financial management; and encouraged increased interest, growth, and development in the field of financial management.
The 2026 Emerging Leader Award is presented to Laraib Sial, director of compliance at the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Laraib is recognized for modernizing the state’s tax credit processes, strengthening collaboration across teams and advancing transparency and accountability. Her commitment to operational excellence and mentoring has helped develop the next generation of public sector leaders.
Laraib Sial
Director of Compliance
Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Simcha L. Kuritzky
Executive Consultant
CGI
Cornelius E. Tierney/EY Research Award
The Cornelius E. Tierney/EY Research Award recognizes individuals who, throughout their careers — a minimum of 15 years — have made continuous contributions to governmental financial management by their direct participation in research activities or through their encouragement and support of others engaged in government financial management research.
The 2026 Cornelius E. Tierney/EY Research Award is presented to Simcha L. Kuritzky, executive consultant at CGI. Simcha is recognized for more than four decades of advancing federal financial management through leadership in U.S. Standard General Ledger implementation, financial reporting and applied research. His work has improved the accuracy, transparency and reliability of federal financial data while helping government financial professionals apply complex federal guidance in practice.
Author Award
The 2025-2026 AGA Author Award is presented to Andrew Lewis and Jeff Steinhoff for their article, “Establishing Fiscal Sustainability: Will This Finally Be the Time to Face the Facts?,” published in the Journal of Government Financial Management Summer 2025 issue. Their article examines the nation’s fiscal challenges while offering practical strategies to help policymakers build a more sustainable future. Through their continued contributions to AGA, they have advanced the profession by sharing valuable insights, best practices and thought leadership.
Jeff Steinhoff
