Meet the 2025 Government Hall of Fame inductees

When Government Executive created its Hall of Fame to honor individuals who have profoundly shaped the federal government and the American people, no one could anticipate just how significant the recognition would become—or how much it would be needed. Hall of Fame inductees are those who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and sustained excellence in public service. Since 2019, a distinguished group of individuals—ranging from Frederick Douglass to David Chu—has been inducted, celebrating their lasting legacies.

These honorees have left a profound mark on government, driving meaningful change and inspiring future generations, and we will celebrate them during our “Evening of Honors” on April 3 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. The annual Fed 100 winners also will be recognized at the gala.

Here are the members of the Government Hall of Fame Class of 2025:

Gene L. Dodaro

In 1973, Gene Dodaro began his career in public service as an entry-level auditor at the General Accounting Office. More than 50 years later, he now leads the agency—renamed the Government Accountability Office—as the eighth comptroller general of the United States. He is the first career civil servant to hold this role, guiding GAO’s independent, nonpartisan oversight of federal programs and spending.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dodaro has played a pivotal role in expanding GAO’s mission beyond financial audits to evaluating the performance and effectiveness of government programs. Under his leadership, GAO’s High-Risk List has helped drive improvements across federal agencies, identifying pressing issues that require congressional action. His oversight has resulted in more than $1.38 trillion in financial benefits since 2002, with GAO returning approximately $133 for every dollar invested in its operations.

Dodaro has positioned GAO as a leader in auditing innovation, ensuring Congress has timely analysis on critical issues such as the global financial crisis, COVID-19 funding, and disaster relief efforts. He spearheaded the creation of GAO’s Center for Enhanced Cybersecurity and Innovation Lab, strengthening the agency’s ability to assess emerging science and technology challenges. His initiatives have not only improved federal oversight but also set standards for auditing practices worldwide.

Beyond his technical and policy contributions, Dodaro has shaped GAO’s internal culture, fostering an environment where employees feel valued and empowered. His emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion has helped GAO earn consistent recognition as the top mid-size federal agency in the “Best Places to Work” rankings, with an impressive retention rate of 96%. His leadership philosophy underscores the importance of people in driving GAO’s success.

Dodaro’s relentless dedication to accountability and good governance has left an indelible mark on the federal government. As he continues his service, his impact on policymaking, fiscal responsibility and public trust in government institutions remains profound.

Ann M. Veneman

Ann Veneman’s career in public service has spanned decades, from her early roles at the Agriculture Department to leading one of the world’s most influential humanitarian organizations. As the first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of agriculture, she oversaw a $113 billion budget and 110,000 employees, shaping policies that strengthened American agriculture and food security. She later brought her leadership to the global stage as executive director of UNICEF, advancing initiatives that improved the lives of children worldwide.

Throughout her career, Veneman has expanded the role of agriculture, food security and global health on both national and international agendas. At USDA, she worked to modernize food safety standards, strengthen international trade partnerships and enhance nutrition programs. At UNICEF, she championed efforts to reduce child mortality, expand access to education and improve maternal health, leaving a lasting impact on global humanitarian efforts.

Her leadership has earned widespread recognition. In 2009, she was named to Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list. She has received numerous honors, including the Women Making History Award from the National Women’s History Museum. She continues to shape policy and business strategy through service on corporate and nonprofit boards, including Sun World, Full Harvest, the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, the Clinton Health Access Initiative and BEAM Circular.

Beyond her leadership roles, Veneman has been a champion for innovation and collaboration in tackling global challenges. She has advised organizations including the Bipartisan Policy Center and the United Nations Foundation and served as a fellow at Harvard’s School of Public Health and the University of California, Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy. She is a frequent speaker on poverty alleviation, food security, nutrition and women’s empowerment.