The National Academy of Public Administration and LocalGov250 has announced that Albany County Land Bank’s Executive Director Sean Maguire has been selected as an honoree for its 250 Champions Initiative.
“There are many leaders working in government across the country who are deserving of recognition, and this year marks an especially important time for our country to honor them. These 250 Champions are truly special and make a difference in our everyday lives,” said James-Christian Blockwood, President & CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration. “We look forward to celebrating all of them, and hope this inspires future public servants and the American people.”
Sean Maguire, AICP, CEcD. Albany County Land Bank Corporation Executive Director
“I’m excited to receive this news,” said Sean Maguire, Executive Director of the Albany County Land Bank Corporation. “I’ve dedicated my career to the needs of our local communities and it feels great being recognized as one of those who go above and beyond and committing to excellence in public service. I hope that I can inspire others around me to do the same.”
The Local Gov 250 Coalition and the National Academy of Public Administration reviewed hundreds of submissions from all 50 states as well as Washington D.C. and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This honor highlights government workers across the country, from mayor’s offices to public works departments, parks and recreation, public health, libraries, and so much more. The 250 Champions were selected and notified of their awards in early March.
“250 Champions is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the important role of local government in implementing democracy every day,” said Wally Bobkiewicz, city administrator of Issaquah, WA and selection committee member of Local Gov 250. “A key element of the initiative has been to recognize all the professions that make local government work, from librarians to police officers, engineers to recreation leaders. Local Gov 250 has brought together all these professions to celebrate the impacts of our collective work.”
To be eligible for the award, honorees must be currently working as a government employee or recently retired within the last ten years and exemplify the highest standards of service to the public. The 250 Champions will be honored at an event preceding the ICMA National Conference in Philadelphia May 12, 2026.
About the National Academy of Public Administration
Established in 1967 and chartered by Congress, the National Academy of Public Administration is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that helps government leaders solve the nation’s most critical management challenges. With more than 1,000 Fellows—including former cabinet officials, governors, mayors, and scholars—the Academy advances excellence in public administration through research, advisory services, and thought leadership.