This award honors a current or former government official or civic leader for improving government through leadership and vision
The award is typically presented at a regular Board meeting in May.
About the 2026 recipient
Sheriff Chad Chronister
Sheriff Chronister has served 34 years at HCSO. He has led the agency since 2017 and has won subsequent re-election three times. During his tenure, Hillsborough County has seen a sustained decline in crime, driven by his emphasis on proactive policing, intra-agency collaboration, and data-driven enforcement strategies. Sheriff Chronister has also led significant investments in advanced technology to improve deputy safety, public transparency, and real-time crime analysis. He oversaw the development of a real-time crime center, an in-house Firearms Lab, DNA Lab, and Digital Forensics Lab - each designed to streamline investigations, accelerate evidence processing, and bring swift justice for victims. He currently serves as Co-Chairman of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region IV Tampa Bay and is a Council Member of the Florida Attorney General's Statewide Council on Human Trafficking.
About Ellsworth G. Simmons
A respected government civic leader, Mr. Simmons was a School Board member who went on to serve 21 years on the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners - 18 of those as chair. Through his leadership and guidance, new institutions - University of South Florida - and new communities - Sun City Center - were created in Hillsborough County. He was a central figure in the construction of Tampa International Airport, the founding of University Community Hospital, and the expansion of the Hillsborough County Health Department.
Selection process
Each winter, a Good Government Award Committee examines the significant events, leadership opportunities and outstanding achievements of nominees and selects an individual or group. The committee submits its recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
The Good Government Award Committee consists of nine members, two members representing the Simmons family and one member chosen by each commissioner.
Award recipients
- 2026 - Sheriff Chad Chronister
- 2025 - Louis G. Betz, Jr.
- 2024 - Doretha Wynn Edgecomb
- 2023 - Clara Reynolds
- 2022 - Julianne M. Holt
- 2021 - Lesley "Les" Miller, Jr.
- 2020 - Arthenia Joyner
- 2019 - Betty Castor
- 2018 - David Gee
- 2017 - Rubin E. Padgett
- 2016 - Jan Kaminis Platt
- 2015 - Former Governor Bob Martinez
- 2014 - Doug Belden
- 2013 - Former Mayor Pam Iorio
- 2012 - Dr. Judy Genshaft
- 2011 - Dottie Berger MacKinnon
- 2010 - Pat Frank
- 2009 - Dr. Earl J. Lennard
- 2008 - Judge E.J. Salcines
- 2007 - Cal Henderson
- 2006 - Louis E. Miller
- 2005 - H. Lee Moffitt
- 2004 - H. L. Culbreath
- 2003 - Former Mayor Dick Greco
- 2002 - Save Our Bays, Air & Canals
- 2001 - Former State Sen. Malcom E. Beard
- 2000 - State Sen. Tom Lee
- 1999 - James L. Redman
- 1998 - Nettie Mae Draughon
- 1997 - Sam M. Gibbons