Washington, DC - The Director General is pleased to announce that one of our employees has been named as a finalist to receive the 2019 Service to America Medal, a national awards program to honor the achievements of federal employees. Michael Kozak of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Affairs is one of the six national finalists for the Career Achievement Medal.

Over the last 47 years, Michael Kozak has embodied State Department ideals by dedicating his career to the effective advancement of U.S. foreign policy, including the promotion of democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms around the world. As an Ambassador, Chief of Mission, Senior Director, Acting Assistant Secretary of State, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, among other roles, he has achieved scores of successes in negotiations and mentored and inspired generations of colleagues. Michael Kozak has exemplified the State Department tradition of making the world a better place for U.S. citizens – safeguarding American interests while working unceasingly to ensure that individuals oppressed for the exercise of their inalienable rights find a strong supporter in the United States.

The Partnership for Public Service will recognize the seven recipients of 2019 Service to America Medals, including the Federal Employee of the Year, at a Washington, D.C. gala on October 16, 2019. Please visit https://servicetoamericamedals.org/ for more information.

The Service to America Medal award was created in 2002 by the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to recruiting and retaining excellence in the federal civilian service.