Recognizing the Champions

Behind Stronger Communities

The Top Public Sector Employer (TPSE) Awards honor the extraordinary efforts of public sector organizations—local, county, and state governments, along with other public entities—committed to building exceptional workplaces where people thrive. If your organization champions innovation, fosters meaningful employee engagement, and leads with heart and vision, this program was made for you. 

Our community of excellence celebrates local governments and public sector organizations that put their people first, creating a ripple effect of excellence that transforms public service into a mission that inspires and uplifts communities.

Celebrating
the Backbone of Our Communities

The public sector is the backbone of our communities, yet outstanding public employers often go unrecognized. The TPSE Awards were created to spotlight organizations that are setting the standard for workplace excellence—those fostering trust, satisfaction, and retention among their employees while advancing innovative workplace policies. This program not only honors achievements but inspires other organizations to raise the bar for public sector employment.

America’s Only National

Recognition Program for

Public Sector Employers

The TPSE Awards are given out annually in recognition of public sector organizations across the USA. The awards honor excellence in employee engagement, leadership, and workplace culture. Through a comprehensive application and evaluation process, the TPSE program identifies organizations that excel in key areas such as employee compensation, development, resources, retention, recruitment, and leadership.

Organizations applying for the TPSE Awards are evaluated across seven categories:

Employee Compensation and Benefits

1

Employee Development and Recognition

2

Employee Resources and Support

3

Employee Satisfaction, Engagement, and Trust

4

Employee Retention

5

Employee Recruitment

6

Leadership

7

Awardees receive national recognition, enhanced credibility, and obtain eligibility for exclusive grants designed to support employee engagement and recognition initiatives.

The TPSE Awards are open to all public sector organizations in the United States, regardless of size or location. Whether you are a small-town government or a state agency, this program welcomes organizations dedicated to fostering innovation, engagement, and excellence in public service. First-time and returning applicants are encouraged to apply, with application fees scaled based on organizational size.

Join Us in Celebrating Public Sector Excellence

The TPSE Awards are more than just recognition—they're a movement to spotlight the innovative, people-focused work happening in public service. 

Be part of the inaugural cohort and inspire others to follow your lead.

ADVISORY BOARD

  • Phil Kiraly

    Village Manager, Village of Glencoe, IL

  • Marcia Conner

    Executive Director, National Forum for Black Public Administrators

  • Paul Nerland

    Chief Administrative Officer, Fresno County, CA

  • Ashley Jacobs

    Human Resources Director, City of Duncanville, TX

  • Jason Nahvi

    Human Resources Manager, City of Powell, OH

The TPSE Awards are powered by Pracademic Partners, a consulting firm committed to bridging practical expertise and academic research to elevate the public sector. With years of experience in public administration and management/HR consulting, Pracademic Partners brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within government organizations. This program reflects their dedication to supporting public entities in building forward-thinking workplaces that serve both employees and communities.

Learn more about Pracademic Partners at www.pracademicpartners.com.