LEXINGTON, KY (LOOTPRESS) – The Council of State Governments recently selected West Virginia Delegate Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, as one of 20 recipients to receive the 2024 CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award.
This year’s class, representing U.S. 16 states and territories across all four CSG regions, is composed of esteemed and accomplished public servants whose hard work and dedication to public service is exhibited through service to their communities.
“I enjoy serving my community and working with our government stakeholders to better our lives,” Delegate Burkhammer said. “To be honored for that work is quite humbling.”
CSG annually welcomes outstanding leaders to join the 20 Under 40 community who exemplify a commitment to bipartisan and innovative solutions. Recipients of the 2024 CSG Under 40 Leadership Award were recognized at the CSG National Conference, Dec. 4-7, in New Orleans. While politically and personally diverse, the 2024 class is united in their pursuit of advancing the common good.
“As these exceptional leaders step forward to shape the future of their states, they embody the values that drive our work at The Council of State Governments — civility, collaboration and innovation,” said David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO. “The 2024 CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award recipients represent the best of public service, demonstrating that leadership knows no age. Their achievements inspire confidence in the promise of state government to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
The CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award was launched in 2020, inspired by the vision of New Hampshire Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, a devoted public servant of more than 50 years. As the 2019 CSG National Chair, D’Allesandro recognized a need for CSG to foster engagement with younger state leaders. Thanks to his efforts, the talents of 100 emerging elected and appointed state officials have since been recognized.
“Recipients of the CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award showcase the incredible influence young leaders are having across the country to make meaningful impact in their states,” said Lorna Patches, CSG director of leadership development.
CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award recipients are selected from a competitive pool of applicants based on their bipartisan work, leadership and work within a specific policy area. Award nominees have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Ability to engage officials across party, departments, branch and/or state lines in meaningful ways to advance the common good for their state/territory.
- Provide exceptional leadership to a state project, committee, chamber, commission or special group.
- Serve as a champion of change and seek to enhance the lives of all constituents within a specific policy area.
In addition to being an elected or appointed state official from a U.S. state or territory, nominees must be age 40 or younger on Dec. 31 of the year in which they are selected.
To learn more about the CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award, visit web.csg.org/20-40. Applications will reopen in spring 2025 for next year’s class of award recipients.