Civic Federation Honors Sean Garrett, EY at 2026 Annual Civic Awards (Chicago, IL) – Civic, business, nonprofit and government leaders from across the region gathered in Chicago as the Civic Federation presented its 2026 Annual Civic Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work has strengthened communities and advanced the public good throughout Illinois.
This year’s event centered on the theme “Everything is Connected,” highlighting the interconnected nature of state, county, municipal and local governments and the importance of collaboration in addressing fiscal, policy and community challenges.
“In Illinois, no government, institution or community succeeds in isolation,” said Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson. “The theme of this year’s awards reflects a simple truth: our futures are intertwined. The leaders and institutions we honored today understand that progress depends on partnership, collaboration and a commitment to serving the public.”
The Civic Federation presented the Gage-Msall Award for Outstanding Civic Contribution by Chicagoans to Sean Garrett, president and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago.
Garrett was recognized for his efforts to bring together community organizations, businesses, philanthropic partners and government agencies to expand opportunities and improve neighborhoods throughout the Chicago region.
Since taking the helm of United Way of Metro Chicago in 2018, Garrett has led initiatives including the Neighborhood Network Initiative, Chicago Connected and 211 Metro Chicago, programs designed to connect residents with resources and strengthen community support systems.
The organization also awarded the Addams-Palmer Award for Exemplary Civic Involvement by a Chicago Institution to EY, recognizing the firm’s longstanding commitment to civic engagement, workforce development, economic growth and community investment.
The award was accepted by Kevin Cole, Chicago Office Managing Partner, who oversees approximately 4,300 professionals across the firm’s Chicago operations.
The awards honor some of the Civic Federation’s most influential historical figures. The Gage-Msall Award is named for Civic Federation founder and first president Lyman J. Gage and former Civic Federation President Laurence J. Msall, while the Addams-Palmer Award recognizes founders Jane Addams and Bertha Honoré Palmer.
The awards were presented by Rebekah Scheinfeld, president and CEO of Civic Consulting Alliance, followed by a fireside conversation moderated by Dorri McWhorter, president and CEO of The Executives’ Club of Chicago.
Founded in 1894, the Civic Federation works to advance effective government, fiscal responsibility and public policy solutions throughout Illinois. Organizers said the Annual Civic Awards continue that mission by recognizing leaders and institutions whose work demonstrates the value of civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration.
Civic Federation Honors Sean Garrett, EY at 2026 Annual Civic Awards
