The Center for Environmental School Policy (CEP) in the School of Public Affairs (SPA) at American University is pleased to announce the selections for the 2026 William K. Reilly Awards for Environmental Leadership. The awards, given annually to two individuals who have contributed in significant ways to US and global environmental problem-solving, reflect the values that have guided former US EPA Administrator William K. Reilly’s career. The recipients for 2026 are Frances Ulmer and Charles Lee. Both have worked with William K. Reilly at earlier stages of their careers.

“The School of Public Affairs has a long and productive relationship with Bill Reilly,” said CEP Director Dan Fiorino. “He serves as an inspiration to our students and an example of what public service can be to the nation and to their future.”

Frances (Fran) Ulmer has made notable contributions to politics, environmental protection, conservation, and higher education. Her contributions to politics include service as mayor of Juneau, as a state representative, and as the lieutenant governor of Alaska. Her contributions to the environment and conservation include serving as the Chair of the US Arctic Research Commission, Chair of the Board of the Nature Conservancy, and Chair of the National Parks Conservation Association. She also served on the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling, which William Reilly co-chaired. Her contributions to the field of higher education were as the Chancellor of the University of Alaska at Anchorage. Ulmer is currently an Associate with Belfer Center Arctic Initiative at Harvard University and is active with several environmental organizations.

Charles Lee is widely recognized as a pioneer in the movement for environmental justice in the United States. He was principal author of the landmark 1987 Toxic Wastes and Race report that helped define the issue. Lee and fellow environmental justice advocates met with Administrator William Reilly in the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Equity in 1992. Over the past five decades, Lee has played a key role in moving an issue that did not have a name to its occupying a significant place on the center stage of the American experience, elevating the critical connections between environmental health and social justice. Lee served as Lead Organizer for the historic 1991 First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit, Director of Environmental Justice for the United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice, and Director of the Office of Environmental Justice and other leadership roles at EPA. Currently, Lee is a visiting scholar at the Howard University School of Law and a member of the Advisory Board of WE ACT for Environmental Justice.

“Fran and Charles are superb honorees,” said William Reilly.  “Fran and I worked closely on the President’s Gulf Oil Spill Commission, and my time at EPA and following makes me proud of Charles Lee’s career there. They are true exemplars of environmental leadership.”

Both Lee and Ulmer will receive their awards at a ceremony on the American University campus on the evening of April 15, 2026.

“We are proud to recognize the 2026 Reilly Award Winners,” SPA Interim Dean Alison Jacknowitz said. “Through their leadership and public service, they have made an indelible mark in environmental policy development and implementation. We hope they serve as examples to our graduates as they pursue careers furthering the public good.”