WASHINGTON — Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) was selected as a finalist for the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) Democracy Award for Workplace Environment, an annual award recognizing achievement and performance in congressional offices. 

“From the football field to the People’s House, I have always recognized the power of teamwork,” said Rep. Owens. “Whether it’s helping Utahns solve problems with federal agencies, fighting to return taxpayer dollars to Utah, or advocating for our district’s priorities, my team has strived to remember: ‘You can’t control the scoreboard, but you can control the hustle.’ We’re grateful to CMF for this recognition, and will continue working hard to serve Utah’s Fourth Congressional District.” 

“As a Democracy Award finalist, the Rep. Owens 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. Owens has made a significant commitment to being the best public servant for his constituents. Rep. Owens and his staff are to be congratulated for not only being a model for his colleagues in Congress but for helping to restore trust and faith that our democratic institutions can work.” 

CMF cited the following as reasons for selecting Congressman Owens as a finalist for an award:

“Managers and staff work collaboratively to set clear goals. If shortcomings are identified, they are dealt with immediately, with no recriminations or hard feelings. This also breeds an attitude that taking risks is not only acceptable but encouraged, resulting in new ideas for the office’s mission and operations. Through their collaborative approach and supportive culture, the office strives to create an environment where every staff member feels valued, empowered, and inspired to make meaningful contributions to our mission of serving the people of Utah’s 4th District.“

The winners will be selected in July by an external selection committee primarily composed of former Members of Congress and congressional staff. The finalists and winners will be honored at a ceremony to be held in Washington, D.C. on September 26, 2024. 

Background: 

The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1977 dedicated to strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people. CMF works to revitalize Congress as an institution; promoting best practices in congressional offices; and helps Congress and the people they represent engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue toward a thriving American democracy.

Details on the process and the history of the Democracy Awards can be found here. 

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