VCU Wilder School announces recipients of 18th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards

By Pam Cox

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University has named six honorees who will be recognized at the 18th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards. A signature program of the Wilder School, the awards recognize leadership, innovation and commitment across government, health, education and community service. Honorees are selected for work that reflects the highest ideals of public service in Virginia.

This year’s honorees include, posthumously, James M. “Jim” Holland; Wally R. Smith, M.D.; Tamarah Holmes, Ph.D.; U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine; the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation; and Barbara Carter.

Recipients will be honored at a luncheon on Wednesday, April 15, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Omni Richmond Hotel, 100 S. 12th St., in Richmond. A 30-minute televised special about this year’s recipients, produced in partnership with WTVR CBS 6, will air on Thursday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m., with an encore presentation on Sunday, May 3, at 11:35 p.m.

Registration for the event is available online at give.vcu.edu/events/2026-excellence-in-virginia-government-awards-evga-sponsorship. Tickets are $85, and proceeds support scholarships that help prepare the next generation of public servants. The program is supported through sponsorships from organizations and partners committed to advancing excellence in public service. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Stevan Dozier, senior director for development, at doziers2@vcu.edu or 919-961-2528.

The 2026 honorees are:

Lifetime Achievement Award (posthumous)

James M. “Jim” Holland, a longtime Chesterfield County leader whose public service drove sustained economic development, community investment and expanded opportunity for residents. Holland also served as an instructor of accounting and CPA advisor at the VCU School of Business for 24 years.

Hill-Robinson Expansion of Freedom Award

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, a national leader recognized for a sustained commitment to civil rights, constitutional governance and public service at the local, state and federal levels.

Community Enhancement Award

Wally R. Smith, M.D., director of the VCU Adult Sickle Cell Program, a physician-scientist whose leadership has advanced research, clinical care and long-term health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

Grace E. Harris Leadership Award

Tamarah Holmes, Ph.D., director of the Virginia Office of Broadband, a public-sector leader guiding one of the nation’s most ambitious statewide broadband expansions, strengthening economic opportunity and connectivity in rural and underserved communities.

Unsung Heroes Award

Barbara Carter of the Virginia Senate Clerk’s Office, a dedicated public servant whose daily work supports the accessibility and functioning of Virginia’s legislative process.

Public-Private Partnership Award

The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, led by President Kathy Glazer, a statewide intermediary advancing coordinated early childhood systems to improve school readiness, family stability and long-term outcomes for Virginia’s youngest residents.