15 Members of Congress Named Finalists for Democracy Awards for Extraordinary Public Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) today announced the finalists for the seventh annual Democracy Awards, CMF's program recognizing non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices and by Members of Congress.

"Americans usually only hear about Congress when something goes wrong. The Democracy Awards shines a light on Congress when it does something right," said Bradford Fitch, CMF's President and CEO. "These Members of Congress and their staff deserve recognition for their work to improve accountability in government, modernize their work environments and serve their constituents."

The 2024 Democracy Awards finalists by category are:

Constituent Service

• Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)

• Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT)

• Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV)

• Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA)

More Information on Constituent Service Finalists Here: 

Constituent Accountability and Accessibility

• Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)

• Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IO)

• Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL)

• Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)

More Information on Constituent Accountability and Accessibility Finalists Here: 

"Life in Congress" Workplace Environment

• Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE)

• Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT)

• Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)

• Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA)

More Information on "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment Finalists Here: 

Innovation and Modernization

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

• Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)

• Rep. Don Davis (D–NC)

• Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA)

More Information on Innovation and Modernization Finalists Here: 

Methodology. CMF created a detailed process to identify and recognize the best congressional offices. House and Senate personal offices self-nominated in early 2024 using an online questionnaire. CMF then followed up with offices to conduct interviews and assess the office's adherence to the established criteria, using a detailed checklist to determine a list of finalists that would advance to the Selection Committee phase.

In June, the Selection Committee, comprised primarily of former Members of Congress and former congressional staffers, will select two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each category using the nomination forms, interview notes, and supporting material provided by the office. The winners will be announced in July, and a ceremony honoring all finalists and winners will be held on September 26, 2024.

The Founding Partner for the Democracy Awards is the Bridge Alliance, which provided a generous grant to launch the program. Bridge Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 100 organizations committed to revitalizing democratic practice in America.

The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1977 dedicated to strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people. CMF works to revitalize Congress as an institution; promotes best practices in congressional offices; and helps Congress and the people they represent engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue toward a thriving American democracy.Click Here to See the 2024 Democracy Awards Finalists

15 Members of Congress Named Finalists for Democracy Awards for Extraordinary Public Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) today announced the finalists for the seventh annual Democracy Awards, CMF's program recognizing non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices and by Members of Congress.

"Americans usually only hear about Congress when something goes wrong. The Democracy Awards shines a light on Congress when it does something right," said Bradford Fitch, CMF's President and CEO. "These Members of Congress and their staff deserve recognition for their work to improve accountability in government, modernize their work environments and serve their constituents."

The 2024 Democracy Awards finalists by category are:

Constituent Service

• Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)

• Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT)

• Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV)

• Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA)

More Information on Constituent Service Finalists Here: 

Constituent Accountability and Accessibility

• Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)

• Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IO)

• Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL)

• Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)

More Information on Constituent Accountability and Accessibility Finalists Here: 

"Life in Congress" Workplace Environment

• Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE)

• Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT)

• Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)

• Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA)

More Information on "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment Finalists Here: 

Innovation and Modernization

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

• Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)

• Rep. Don Davis (D–NC)

• Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA)

More Information on Innovation and Modernization Finalists Here: 

Methodology. CMF created a detailed process to identify and recognize the best congressional offices. House and Senate personal offices self-nominated in early 2024 using an online questionnaire. CMF then followed up with offices to conduct interviews and assess the office's adherence to the established criteria, using a detailed checklist to determine a list of finalists that would advance to the Selection Committee phase.

In June, the Selection Committee, comprised primarily of former Members of Congress and former congressional staffers, will select two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each category using the nomination forms, interview notes, and supporting material provided by the office. The winners will be announced in July, and a ceremony honoring all finalists and winners will be held on September 26, 2024.

The Founding Partner for the Democracy Awards is the Bridge Alliance, which provided a generous grant to launch the program. Bridge Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 100 organizations committed to revitalizing democratic practice in America.

The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1977 dedicated to strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people. CMF works to revitalize Congress as an institution; promotes best practices in congressional offices; and helps Congress and the people they represent engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue toward a thriving American democracy.Click Here to See the 2024 Democracy Awards Finalists

STATEMENT FROM THE CMF BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

With deep gratitude for his leadership and service, the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) Board of Directors announces the upcoming retirement of Bradford Fitch, our President and CEO since 2010. CMF plans to complete the leadership transition by the end of 2024 ensuring a smooth process.

After three decades of serving Congress in a variety of roles, Brad is well-known and regarded in Washington. His long history with CMF started in 2001, when he came on board as Deputy Director. Since then, he has carefully stewarded CMF's strong reputation for nonpartisan work strengthening the management skills and workplace practices in Congress while building public understanding and trust in the legislative branch.

Having spent 38 years in Washington as a journalist, congressional aide, consultant, college instructor, internet entrepreneur, and writer, Brad is known for his spirited and enthusiastic training sessions and speeches and his work on Capitol Hill made him a lifelong advocate for the institution of Congress, members, and staff. During his tenure, he led CMF's citizen-advocate training and conducted 451 trainings involving more than 48,000 advocates since 2014.

Commenting on this announcement, Brad noted: "After 19 years at CMF, 14 years as CEO, it's the right moment to pass the mantle of leadership to another generation of leaders. I cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity to work at such a great organization. While I hope I have contributed to enhancing our democracy during my tenure here, I know that CMF has significantly and positively improved me both professionally and personally. I thank the board of directors and CMF staff for being amazing partners in my journey."

The Board of Directors has initiated planning to begin the difficult search process for the next President & CEO of CMF. More information, including a description of the role, will be available in May. Inquiries may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About Congressional Management Foundation

CMF is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit, founded in 1977, dedicated to strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people. CMF works to revitalize Congress as an institution; promotes best practices in congressional offices; and helps Congress and the people they represent engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue toward a thriving American democracy.

Fitch is the president and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation and a former congressional staffer.

After watching President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address earlier this month, it would be easy to conclude that members of Congress have little interest in, and do not value, civility, bipartisanship and collaboration as a means to address the challenges our nation faces. But a recent survey of some other folks who were also in the House chamber the same night shows those principles are still respected on Capitol Hill. These people are the men and women who work as staff in Congress.

Read more at The Fulcrum

Congressional Staff Report Congress Needs Improvement, More Bipartisanship and Collaboration