About the Public Officials of the Year Luncheon

Since 2011, the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program has honored local elected officials, public servants and practitioners who have laid the groundwork for public service in the region at an annual awards luncheon. The luncheon proceeds provide student scholarships, making the academic journeys and experiences of graduate candidates in the MPA program a reality.

"These officials exhibit qualities consistent with those of the MPA program—trust, accountability, performance, ethical decision-making and crossing jurisdictional boundaries to solve problems. We are honored to have them recognized as distinguished public officials," said James Thurmond, former director of the UH MPA program and current professor of practice at the Hobby School.

2025 Highlights

The Master of Public Administration program recognized five public officials who exemplify the highest standards in public service at the 2025 Public Officials of the Year Luncheon on March 21 at the Hilton University of Houston.

The public service leaders were celebrated for serving their communities through innovative and ethical leadership and improving the lives of others by tackling complex challenges. A resounding program theme and a consistent characteristic of honorees is a strong desire to solve issues through collaboration, reaching beyond departments and individual cities to other jurisdictions and sectors with government, nonprofits and corporate partners.

Honorees

The 2025 honorees are Texas state Rep. Ann Johnson, Mayor Dan Davis of the City of Manvel, Fire Chief David Langenberg of the City of Humble and Harris County Administrator Diana Ramirez. Carol Lewis, professor in transportation studies at Texas Southern University, is the Pioneer Award winner for her long record and consistent demonstration of working for the public good.

Kathleen P. Rubinstein Best Paper Awards

MPA candidates Fatimah El-Ibrahim and Tonya Le were celebrated for their standout papers and ability to demonstrate a strong understanding of their coursework's applicability to the real world. Rubinstein, who sponsors the awards, is an MPA alumna and former long-time MPA instructor.

Nominations for the 2026 awards will open in the fall. A selection committee led by the Hobby School Alumni Association reviews nominations and honors area changemakers who best exemplify public service values.