Public Leadership Awards

A man and woman stand on a stage with an elegant fabric backdrop. The man looks toward the woman and smiles; he claps his hands in applause.  Both wear polished business suits.

Photo by Lauren Meisberger

The Portman Center Public Leadership Awards is an annual event recognizing civic leaders in bipartisanship, civility and problem solving.

Each year, the Portman Center bestows two recipients with the Sarah and Timothy Fogarty Award for Bipartisan Public Service, honoring one Republican and one Democratic officeholder for their commitment to civility and leadership to achieve bipartisan policy outcomes.

This signature event also impacts student success by raising funds for students pursuing public policy internships, co-ops, and experiences in Cincinnati, Columbus, Washington D.C., and beyond.

2026 Public Leadership Awards

September 8, 2026

Honorees, Sarah and Timothy Fogarty Award for Bipartisan Public Service

Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
Senator Todd Young (R-IN)

Sponsors

Presented by Cintas, with additional support from Gold Sponsor GE Aerospace; Silver Sponsors altafiber, Charles F. Kettering Foundation, Sarah and Timothy Fogarty, and Union Savings Bank; Bronze Sponsors John F. and Eileen W. Barrett, and Jane and Rob Portman; and additional generous support from FC Cincinnati.

2025 Public Leadership Awards

August 26, 2025

Honorees, Sarah and Timothy Fogarty Award for Bipartisan Public Service

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)

Sponsors

Presented by Cintas, with additional support from Advocate Sponsors GE Aerospace and Netherland Rubber Co.; Program Sponsors altafiber, Fifth Third Bank, Sarah and Timothy Fogarty, and Kroger; and Supporting Sponsor FC Cincinnati.