The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) announced Feb. 23 that Rep. Dave Reichert is a finalist for the first-ever Democracy Awards, a new award recognizing non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices.

Rep. Reichert has been selected for outstanding accomplishments in the category of Life in Congress-Workplace Environment. This category highlights offices that have established both formal policies and informal cultures that enhance the work-life fit and professional development of their staffs.

“As a finalist … Rep. Reichert’s office is clearly one of the best in Congress,” said Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation. “This designation demonstrates that Rep. Reichert has made a significant commitment to being the best public servant for his constituents in Washington. Rep. Reichert and his staff are to be congratulated for not only being a model for colleagues in Congress, but for helping to restore trust and faith that our democratic institutions can work.”

Twenty House and Senate offices were honored as finalists in four categories: Constituent Service, Innovation, Transparency and Accountability, and Life in Congress-Workplace Environment. House and Senate offices nominated themselves using an online questionnaire for the four office categories. CMF followed up with offices to gather documentation and assess the office’s adherence to the established criteria. Foundation staff selected the finalists based on the information provided by nominees.

A committee comprised primarily of former members of Congress and former congressional staffers will select two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) in each of the categories. Winners will be announced in mid-May. An awards ceremony to honor finalists and winners will be held July 12.

The Founding Partner for the Democracy Awards is the Bridge Alliance, a diverse coalition of more than 80 organizations committed to revitalizing democratic practice in America.

The Congressional Management Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to build trust and effectiveness in Congress. For more information, visit www.congressfoundation.org.