Celebrating Stennis Fellows: 2026 Democracy Awards Honorees
The Stennis Center congratulates Current Stennis Fellow John Byers and Senior Stennis Fellow Toni-Marie Higgins on receiving 2026 Democracy Awards honors from the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF). Both were honored with the Chief of Staff of the Year Award at CMF’s 9th Annual Democracy Awards Ceremony, in recognition of exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and service to the institution of Congress.
As members of the Stennis Fellows community, John and Toni-Marie exemplify the leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public service that are at the heart of the Stennis Center’s mission. Their recognition reflects not only individual achievement, but also the important role congressional staff plays in strengthening representative democracy.
Chief of Staff of the Year
About the Award
The Chief of Staff of the Year Award recognizes tenured Chiefs of Staff who demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic vision, staff development, and service to the institution of Congress.
Current Stennis Fellow
John Byers
Chief of Staff | Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX-11)
John Byers was recognized for his outstanding leadership as Chief of Staff to Representative August Pfluger. Through his commitment to strategic office management, staff development, and exceptional constituent service, he has helped build a high-performing congressional office dedicated to serving the people of Texas’ 11th Congressional District.
As a Current Stennis Fellow, John demonstrates the collaborative leadership and commitment to public service that are hallmarks of the Stennis Center’s Congressional Staff Fellows Program. His recognition reflects the positive impact thoughtful leadership can have on both an office and the institution of Congress.
Senior Stennis Fellow
Toni-Marie Higgins
Chief of Staff | Sen. John Boozman (R-AR)
Toni-Marie Higgins received the Chief of Staff of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to mentoring congressional staff. As Chief of Staff to Senator John Boozman, she has fostered a collaborative and effective office committed to serving the people of Arkansas with professionalism and integrity.
As a Senior Stennis Fellow, Toni-Marie exemplifies the values of ethical leadership, collaboration, and service that define the Stennis Center community. Her career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening Congress through professional excellence and institutional stewardship.
Celebrating Stennis Leadership
The Stennis Center congratulates John and Toni-Marie on this well-deserved recognition. Their accomplishments reflect the leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public service that strengthen Congress every day, and they continue to exemplify the values of the Stennis Fellows community.
Through the Congressional Staff Fellows Program, the Stennis Center supports congressional staff as they develop as leaders, strengthen their offices, and serve the institution of Congress. John and Toni-Marie exemplify those ideals, and we congratulate them on this distinguished recognition.
Learn More
To learn more about the 2026 Democracy Awards, including the complete list of honorees, visit the Congressional Management Foundation’s Democracy Awards page.
All event photos courtesy of the Congressional Management Foundation from the 9th Annual Democracy Awards Ceremony.