VCU to honor Sen. Tim Kaine and five others at Virginia Government Awards

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) will honor six individuals, including Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), at its 18th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs announced the six honorees, including Kaine, who will be recognized at the 18th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards.

This event highlights individuals whose work demonstrates the highest level of public service for Virginia with rewards that recognize "leadership, innovation and commitment across government, health, education and community service," according to the release.

The recipients of these awards will be honored at a luncheon on Wednesday, April 15, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Omni Richmond Hotel located at 100 S. 12th St.

The 2026 honorees for the awards are listed below:

Lifetime Achievement Award

• James M. "Jim" Holland was a Chesterfield leader whose public service assisted with economic development, community investment and expanded opportunities for community members. He also served as an instructor in accounting and CPS advisor at the VCU School of Business for 24 years.

Hill-Robinson Expansion of Freedom Award

• Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, who has been a leader at the local, state and federal levels, will be recognized for his "commitment to civil rights, constitutional governance and public service," per the release.

Community Enhancement Award

• Wally R. Smoth, director of the VCU Adult Sickle Cell Program, is a physician-scientist who led advanced research, clinical care and long-term health outcomes for those who live with sickle cell disease.

Grace E. Harris Leadership Award

• Tamarah Holmes, director of the Virginia Office of Broadband, serves as a public-sector leader who has guided a statewide broadband expansion that has strengthened economic opportunity and connection in rural and underserved communities, according to the release.

Unsung Hero Award

• Barbara Carter works in the Virginia Senate Clerk's Office and has served as a public servant whose day-to-day work assists with Virginia's legislative processes in accessibility and functionality.

Public-Private Partnership Award

• Kathy Glazer is president of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, a statewide organization advancing early childhood systems to improve school readiness, family stability and long-term outcomes for young residents in Virginia.

For more information and to register for this event, visit VCU's website here. Tickets are $85, with the proceeds going towards scholarships