Every year ELGL honors the Top 100 Influencers in Local Government — people who make a difference in their communities and the larger local gov network, and who demonstrate ELGL values of joy, creativity, connection, dependability, and equity through their work and public activities.
As we accept nominations for 2025 Top Influencers, and as public servants face increasing and unique challenges, we asked past honorees what the award means — and why you should nominate a local gov pro. Here’s what they had to say:
“Here’s the thing. I don’t know many folks in local government for the glory or fame. And if you ask me, I’ll say I don’t need any recognition. But. How lovely it feels to be included in this list. I am honored to be included and am so grateful for ELGL and all that they do to lift up public service.”
Ali Rhodes | Director of Parks and Recreation | City of Boulder, CO
“Being named a Top Influencer in Local Government last year was an immense honor, particularly because it came from my peers. This recognition is not just a personal accolade but a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing local government. It fuels my passion for this field and motivates me to continue driving impactful change alongside those who value it most.”
Demetrius “D” Parker | Founder | Trust Leadership Collective
“Being recognized by ELGL for the past two years has reinforced my goal of improving local government efficiency and transparency. More importantly, real progress comes from sharing ideas, working together, and supporting collective efforts. This recognition has helped connect me with others who share the same mission to make a meaningful impact in our communities and in our profession.”
Matthew Bajor | Assistant to the Village Manager | Village of Algonquin, IL
“I was honored and humbled to be named a Top Ten Local Government Influencer in 2024. Accolades like these are a testament to my excellent staff and supportive City Council. I used this recognition to promote the City of Fountain Inn’s successes as we strive to be the #BestInnSC.”
Shawn Bell | City Administrator | City of Fountain Inn, SC
“Working for the public isn’t always easy, but it’s so REWARDING. For someone who started working in government on a summer job and never left, it means so much to be recognized for the work I’ve done as an ELGL Top Influencer in Government. It makes me happy that other people enjoy my work as much as I do! A big thank you to ELGL for recognizing us that are doing it for the love of the game!”
Anthea Thomas | Strategic Communications Specialist | City of Fort Lauderdale, FL
“Being named a Top Influencer in Local Government last year was an incredible honor. At California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, we are mobilizing thousands to tackle critical issues — from climate action to disaster response — proving that service is a force for real change. This recognition reinforces the impact of our work and the importance of inspiring more people to step up and serve.”
Katie Vavao | Communications Director | California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
“I was incredibly honored to be named an ELGL Top Influencer in Local Government in 2024. This recognition has further fueled my passion for creative problem-solving and collaboration in the public sector. I appreciate ELGL’s commitment to highlighting the often unseen contributions of public servants and fostering a community of innovative leaders.”
Christina Klose | Brand and Creative Services Officer | City of Milwaukee, WI
“As someone that was on the ELGL Top 100 list for 2024 I can tell you it is one of those moments in your career where you feel like what you are doing is being noticed and makes a difference. Working in government is often a very thankless job; when you are recognized for your work is always greatly appreciated.”
Monica McAlister | Social Media Coordinator | Fenton Township, MI
“Being named a Top Influencer in Local Government was an incredible honor and a testament to the importance of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement in public service. It reinforced my commitment to driving positive change, sharing insights, and helping shape the future of local governance. I’m grateful for the recognition and inspired to continue making an impact.”
Kate Meacham | Director of Parks and Recreation | City of Allen, TX
“Being nominated as an ELGL Top Influencer in Local Government is an incredible honor. Sharing our journey with Harper on social media allows us to connect with others who value their furry loved ones and showcase our love for Bentonville, AR, in a unique and meaningful way.”
Harper Shea (and Baylea Birchfield) | Dog Influencer
“Being recognized as a Top Influencer in Local Government came after a long education campaign for four simultaneous bond issues, representing the largest in the city’s history. It was an honor to be recognized for the work that was occurring in our community and the way we’ve chosen to reframe local government topics in relatable ways. It is my hope that the project initiatives underway will also be influential in the span of this community’s history.”
Shelby Teufel | City Administrator | City of Pleasant Hill, MO
“I am thrilled to have been selected as a Top 100 Influencer in Local Government in 2024. I am also grateful for the opportunity to contribute to public service and look forward to continuing to make an impact. I will always be thankful for this acknowledgement.”
Jennifer Price | Main Street Director | City of Hahira, GA
“Being named a 2024 Top 100 Influencer in Local Government by ELGL was an honor. To be recognized by my peers at the national level was an unexpected surprise and deeply touching. I have dedicated my career to public service and to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses for 20 years. Thank you ELGL for your work in recognizing government workers who contribute to making positive impacts in their communities.”
Kelley Keffer | Project Manager | City of Mesa, AZ
“Being included on the ELGL list was a major professional highlight for me. It was also an incredible surprise and really gave me a boost to try to live up to the honor and do even better. I’m very grateful to be part of a group of so many talented and dedicated government pros.”
Pete Wolfley | Communications Manager | City of Orem, UT
“Being named one of ELGL’s Top Influencers in Local Government was a high point of my career in the public sector. It truly made me feel like I was doing the service I was meant to be doing. I live in the city I serve, and I have many chapters where I feel like I am constantly working, being recognized for my influence made it seem worth it.”
Marilyn Surakus | Bureau Manager, Project Management | City of Long Beach, CA
To have been named one of the top government influencers in 2024, it was a honorable reminder that as a government employee, I have the responsibility to challenge the way we have always done things, and lean into the hard conversations to get to the HEART conversations that will create a better government in the service of others. And if I can use my influence for that endeavor, then it is a life well served in government.
Ana Silvia Avendaño-Curiel | Equity Policy Adviser | City of Boulder, CO
“Being named a Top Influencer in Local Government by ELGL last year was truly an honor and a reminder of the impact of community-driven leadership. It reinforced my dedication to bringing people together, with a restorative lense, and making sure every voice in Buffalo is heard. This recognition wasn’t just about me — it was about the countless people working every day to make our city stronger and more connected.”
Oswaldo Mestre | Senior Advisor to the Mayor and Executive Director of Citizen Services | City of Buffalo, NY
“ELGL is an innovator making positive change throughout not only local government, but all of society! I am honored to be included with an abundance of thought leaders improving communities and people’s lives every day!”
Eric Trevan | President and Chief Executive Officer | aLocal
“For me being named a top government influencer was shocking. Considering there are so many great leaders and influencers, I considered it quite the honor. Government service has been my life’s work for the last 24 years. I am honored and humbled to be included amongst the best influencers.”
William Gervin | Police Captain | City of Virginia Beach, VA
“As exciting as it was to be named an ELGL Top 100 Influencer, it was just as exciting to scroll the list and see the incredible company I now found myself within. As much as the work in local government is, well, local, it’s always reinvigorating to look further afield and see the exciting, innovative work our colleagues across the country do. The work we do may be mysterious and important, but there’s a real joy in celebrating the people who do it.”
Phil Green | Transportation and Long-Range Planner | Village of Hoffman Estates, IL