Brittany Stiffler Crabtree of Missouri receives national honor from America’s Service Commissions

WASHINGTON, DC - Brittany Stiffler Crabtree of Missouri was announced as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Commission Executive Director Award at an awards ceremony hosted by America's Service Commissions (ASC) on September 15 in Washington, DC. The awards program is held each year to recognize the accomplishments of state and service commission staff, commissioners, service programs, and champions of national service throughout the United States and its territories.

The Outstanding Commission Executive Director Award recognizes a commission executive director who demonstrates unparalleled leadership and innovative thinking to get things done in their state.

"Brittany's recognition is a testament to what dynamic, community-centered leadership can accomplish," said Dr. Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. "We are thrilled to celebrate this achievement with her and look forward to the lasting impact her leadership will continue to bring to communities across our state."

"As Commission Chair of ServMO, I have had the privilege of seeing Brittany's leadership firsthand. She exemplifies the very best of servant leadership," said Jennifer Ingraham, Commission Chair. "Her vision, integrity and tireless commitment have elevated ServMO and strengthened national service throughout Missouri."

Crabtree has promoted civic engagement on the local, state, and federal levels through organizations like the Kansas Leadership Center, the Kansas Volunteer Commission, and the Corporation for National and Community Service (now doing business as AmeriCorps). She has served in multiple Governor's offices, serving as a Senior Constituent Liaison, Deputy Communications Director, and Speechwriter. Brittany was a co-founder of the Topeka Flag Redesign Project and has been a leadership coach for more than 10 years.

Today, she serves as an ASC board member and as the Executive Director of ServMO, guided by the governor-appointed Commissioners of the Missouri Community Service Commission (MCSC). Over the past three years she has:

• Successfully rebranded the organization to ServMO
• Expanded accessibility of funding opportunities to rural Missouri by implementing AmeriCorps planning grants and America 250 mini-grants
• Mobilized new partnerships focused on childcare access, disaster response capacity, and youth mental health services
• Restructured the ServMO team to increase visibility, impact, and compliance

"The recipients of ASC's 2026 Innovation & Leadership Awards exemplify the very best of national service," said John Kelly, CEO of America's Service Commissions. "Through their leadership, creativity, and commitment to strengthening communities, they are finding innovative solutions to complex challenges and inspiring others to serve. We are proud to recognize these outstanding individuals and organizations whose work is advancing our mission and creating lasting impact across the country."

"Throughout a significant season of transition, she demonstrated courageous and thoughtful leadership, approaching complex decisions with both strategic clarity and genuine compassion," added Kristina Jones, President & CEO of CAPACares. "Kindness and empathy are not separate from her leadership approach; they are central to it."

Learn more about the awards and awardees.