CSG 20 Under 40

The CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award recognizes the outstanding work of 20 up-and-coming elected and appointed officials from across the country who not only exemplify strong leadership skills but have also demonstrated a true commitment to serving the citizens of their state/territory.

APPLY

Applications are now open.

Applicant Contact Information
Name*
First Last
Title*
Department*
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Phone
Primary Email Address*
Secondary Email Address
Branch of State Government*
- Legislative
- Executive
- Judicial
Applicant Materials
The following applicant materials are required for your application to be complete. If you do not have the required documents at this time, you may email them as they become available to leadershipdevelopment@csg.org. All required materials are due by 11:59 p.m. Hawaiian Time on Friday, July 31st.

The 2026 20 Under 40 Leadership Award recognition ceremony will take place during the CSG National Conference, Dec. 3-6, in Anaheim. Nominees must attend both the leadership development activity and the recognition ceremony at the national conference. Applicants are encouraged to hold these dates on their calendars and if unable to attend are encouraged to defer their application until next year.

Required Documents:
- Two Letters of Recommendation: At least one of the letters must be from a representative of the applicant's state government. Letters from chamber leaders are recommended, but not required.
- Current Resume: Resumes are limited to two printed pages.
- Official Biography: If selected, to be used in promotional materials.
- Headshot: If selected, to be used in promotional materials.
- Applicant Questionnaire: Answers to each question should be 250 words or less and typewritten.
  1. Why did you choose a career in public service?
  2. Provide an example of when you were able to achieve a goal through non-partisan means.
  3. List your top three accomplishments (professional or personal) and why you chose each one.
Attach Documents
Drop files here or

Max. file size: 49 MB, Max. files: 8.
Submit Application
By submitting this application, I understand and acknowledge the following:
- It is my responsibility to gain permission to participate in the CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Program from the appropriate state appointing authority, such as my chamber’s presiding officer, chief justice or governor's office.
- I have read, understood, and agree to comply with the CSG Event Code of Conduct.
- I understand that this is a highly competitive process and that only 20 individuals are selected each year. Given the size of the class, many very qualified candidates will not be selected. Applicants not selected may choose to apply in future years, and many do.
- If selected for the program, I understand that I will be featured in CSG Capitol Ideas magazine for 2026.
- If selected for the program, I agree to allow CSG to use my name and likeness, including video and photos, to report on or promote CSG, its leadership development programs and the 20 Under 40 experience.
- If selected for the program, I understand that refusing to actively participate in any part of the program may lead to expulsion from the program. Participation is defined as being present and engaged in all activities and functions. Those expelled from the class agree to reimburse CSG for all costs associated with their participation in the program.
- If I am selected for the program and unable to attend for any reason, I understand that I forfeit my place in the class and must reapply to the program to be considered for a future class. My selection may not be deferred to a future year.
- I understand that while CSG maintains sole ownership and discretion over the program content and events, private sector and/or foundation resources may be used to help underwrite costs. I certify that my participation follows all applicable rules, regulations, and laws.
- I understand that I may be dismissed from the program and the program may be canceled at the sole discretion of CSG.