The Governor Thomas H. Kean Leadership Award

No one in our state’s modern history has contributed more to elevate our state’s stature than New Jersey’s 48th Governor, the Honorable Thomas H. Kean.

His journey from a dedicated educator to a transformative political and philanthropic leader is a testament to his unwavering commitment to inclusive problem solving for more than five decades.

His Legacy

Award Criteria

Submit a Nomination

Governor Kean’s Legacy

Award Nomination and Selection Process

The Governor Thomas Kean Leadership Award is administered by the Garden State Initiative (GSI). A distinguished bipartisan committee (8 members) reviews all nominations and recommends the recipient to the GSI Board of Directors.

Award Criteria

The award recognizes individuals who have best displayed the principled, inclusive, and collaborative characteristics which Governor Kean displayed throughout his life and work.

• Individuals in private and public roles in business, academia or elected offices are eligible.
• Accomplishments will be considered in environmental matters, education advancement, economic growth, public security and extraordinary acts of unifying divergent interests for a common good.
• The award will be made to living Americans with a nexus to New Jersey.

Nomination Process

Any member of the public may nominate any individual via the Garden State Initiative’s website.  Please consider the Award Criteria to determine whether the person you wish to nominate would be an appropriate recipient of the Governor Thomas Kean Leadership Award.

Nominations for the 2026 Governor Thomas H. Kean Leadership Award are now closed. We are currently accepting nominations for the 2027 award. Submit your nomination below.

Nominating Committee

2026 Sponsors