Public Servants: We Thank You

“Public service is a noble calling, and we need men and women of character to believe in their communities, in their states, and in their country.”

–President George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States

NASAA’s board of directors and staff commemorated Public Service Recognition Week during our recent board of directors meeting in Washington, D.C. The week is designed to honor all the people who serve America’s communities at the federal, state, county, local and tribal levels. In honor of our colleagues at state arts agencies, the National Endowment for the Arts and all those in public service, the following statement is a part of the record of the board meeting:

“This week, we pause to recognize and honor the heart of our communities—our public servants. Public Service Recognition Week is a moment to say thank you to those who dedicate their time, energy and expertise to serving others. Whether you work behind the scenes or on the front lines, your commitment makes a difference every single day. Your work isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. It’s the steady hands that keep systems running, the creative minds that find solutions, and the compassionate hearts that care for communities. Thank you for showing up, often under pressure and with limited resources, and still giving your best. To public servants at state arts agencies, we want you to know that you are seen, appreciated and celebrated—not just this week, but always.”

Admittedly, now is a particularly difficult time to be in public service. There is so much public discourse today that demonstrates a lack of understanding of the value and benefits public servants bring to people and communities each day. I have had the honor of working with public servants at all levels of government and, unfailingly, they bring heart and passion for service to their work. They engage in work on behalf of the people with optimism and a desire to make a difference and have a positive impact on all our lives. They’re improving communities, and collectively our country, each day.

To all our colleagues in public agencies, please know that our hearts are filled with gratitude for your service and your commitment to serving all people. At NASAA, we’re proud of the work you do every day, and we’re always honored to be in service and in partnership with you. To state and jurisdictional arts agencies, please know that your work always inspires us; you rock our world, and that makes every week Public Service Recognition Week at NASAA! For our colleagues at the National Endowment for the Arts, those who recently departed the agency and those who remain, please know that we see and value your impact as well.

Collectively, federal, state and local arts grant makers invest $2.28 billion in support of America’s communities. Their work is foundational to the success and strength we see in U.S. arts and cultural production. In fact, arts and cultural production reinforces America’s leadership in the global economy, with exports representing a $36.8 billion trade surplus. Just as important, as our country faces generational divides in these difficult times, the arts can restore our connections to each other. They can help us understand the past, navigate the present and envision a better future. The public servants at federal, state and local arts agencies are critical to building the foundation necessary for America to benefit from the economic, educational and civic contributions the arts bring to all communities.

I’d like to add a personal note of gratitude to Michael Orlove, immediate past director of the National Endowment for the Arts Partnerships office. A passionate public servant, Michael brought boundless energy and great care to his role as he championed state, regional, local and international partners of the Endowment. I deeply valued our work with Michael and am already missing him in this role! Just as important, we’re all sending him loads of good wishes for his next chapter of powerful and dedicated service.