Cambridge Seeks Nominations for Outstanding City Employee Award and Brian Murphy Award for Leadership and Public Service

City Manager's Outstanding City Employee Award

The City Manager's Outstanding City Employee Award is an opportunity to recognize our colleagues for their exceptional contributions to public service.

Anyone who lives or works in Cambridge may nominate one or more City employees for recognition. Individuals may nominate as many employees as they choose but must submit a separate nomination form for each nominee. Former winners of the Outstanding City Employee Award are not eligible.

Criteria for determining outstanding performance include:

• Exceptional Service to the Community
• Excellence in City Operations & Accountability
• Innovation & Problem-Solving
• Advancing Equity & Anti-Racism
• Collaboration & Teamwork

Brian Murphy Award for Leadership in the Workplace and Public Service

The Brian Murphy Award for Leadership in the Workplace and Public Service is a distinguished recognition given to leaders who display extraordinary qualities in the workplace and dedication to community service.

This award, first given in 2015, exemplifies - much like the late Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Brian Murphy - the essence of selflessness and a steadfast philosophy of paying it forward. The award recognizes how a current or former City employee (who held a leadership role within the last two years) creates/created a supportive and nurturing learning environment for their colleagues while setting a standard for their peers in providing effective public service. Through their unwavering commitment and mentorship, this award recognizes leaders who prepare the City's workforce for success and generously share their expertise and knowledge. The candidate for this award is deeply committed to continuous professional development, embodying leadership, and service in every aspect of their career.

Criteria for the Brian Murphy Award for Leadership in the Workplace and Public Service include:

• Dedicated to promoting good governance and ensuring that the residents of Cambridge receive essential services;
• Assumes leadership and provides direction for their team within the professional setting;
• Consistently exhibits an exceptional commitment to supporting and guiding colleagues within their department, prioritizing delivering outstanding service to the community's residents;
• Volunteers their time and expertise to assist their peers and colleagues;
• Inspires others to serve the public in their jobs and the community.

All nominations for both awards must be submitted by Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Nominations can be submitted online through two links above, or a signed nomination letter can be submitted to the Human Resources Department at [email protected].

Selected recipients will be recognized at the Outstanding City Employee Award ceremony on Friday, May 8 at 9:30 a.m. in Cambridge City Hall.

For more information about the Outstanding City Employee Awards, please contact Matt Nelson at 617-349-4266 or [email protected].