The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program honors local elected officials, public servants and practitioners who exemplify the highest standards in public service at an annual awards luncheon. The ceremony benefits the scholarship fund for MPA program graduate candidates.

Public Officials of the Year

State Rep. Ann Johnson
Texas House of Representatives

Texas state Rep. Ann Johnson represents House District 134, which includes Bellaire, Southside Place and West University. In the 89th Texas Legislature, Rep. Johnson is the vice chair of Judiciary & Civic Jurisprudence. She also serves on the Calendars and Public Health committees and the Permanent Standing Subcommittee on Disease Prevention and Women's and Children's Health. 

She is a small business owner, attorney and adjunct professor at South Texas College of Law. Johnson has continued the work she did as the former Harris County Chief Human Trafficking Prosecutor, supporting victims of human trafficking and protecting vulnerable communities. During her first legislative session, she was honored with several Freshman of the Year awards and received praise from Texas Monthly for effectively working across the aisle. 

In the 88th Texas Legislature, Rep. Johnson's focus on public safety resulted in the passing of historic legislation creating six new Harris County criminal courts to address the judicial backlog and free specialty courts for human trafficking and drug prevention and veterans assistance programs that help reduce recidivism. 

Mayor Dan Davis
City of Manvel

Dan Davis was elected mayor of Manvel City in 2023. He previously served on the Manvel City Council from 2019 to 2022, where he was the youngest councilmember. His leadership is rooted in a forward-thinking and collaborative approach and the values of innovation and transparency.

Drawing from his missionary experience in Japan, Mayor Davis emphasizes understanding diverse perspectives and fostering effective local governance. As Manvel City Mayor, Davis has guided significant economic growth by renegotiating development agreements, securing the city's first grocery store and increasing the city's fund balance by over $4 million. His people-centered leadership is reflected in job growth numbers, new local business openings, and investments in infrastructure improvements by working with local and state agencies and partners. Known as a leader and a neighbor, Mayor Davis understands the importance of building a responsive government. Beyond his role as mayor, Davis runs an engagement and delivery team for a software company. He also volunteers with local organizations, trains for marathons and enjoys time with his family.

David Langenberg
City of Humble

David Langenberg is the fire chief for the City of Humble, bringing 27 years of experience in fire and EMS services to the role. Since 2018, he has led Humble Fire Rescue with a solutions-oriented approach, guiding the department through complex emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic and regional disaster relief efforts. Chief Langenberg holds multiple undergraduate degrees, a Master of Public Administration from Sam Houston State University and the Executive Fire Officer designation from the National Fire Academy.

Beyond his leadership as fire chief, he served for over a decade on Texas Task Force 1, a federal and state search-and-rescue team, deploying to natural and man-made disasters. He also served eight years as a publicly elected commissioner for Harris County Emergency Services District #9. Committed to mentorship and professional development, he is writing a book to guide aspiring first responders. Chief Langenberg is also a proud father of two sons, Colin, a high school senior, and Corbin, a BSN student at Prairie View A&M and Texas Army National Guard member.

Diana Ramirez
Harris County

Diana Ramirez is the Harris County Administrator, overseeing day-to-day county operations of departments that report to the Harris County Commissioners Court. She is the first woman and Latina to hold the job. Ramirez grew up in Laredo, Texas, and earned a BA from the University of Texas and an MPA from Princeton University.

Ramirez has a long history of public service, including serving as the executive director of the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity. She joined Harris County in 2021 following 30 years of public service in various capacities with Travis County, the Texas General Land Office and Texas Health and Human Services. Ramirez is the chair of the Government Finance Officers Association’s Committee on Economic Development and Capital Planning and a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). She is also a ULI’s Public Private Partnership Gold National Product Council member. Ramirez resides with her husband, and on any given game day, you might find her cheering on her beloved Houston Astros.

Pioneer Award

The Pioneer Award recognizes a public official with a long record and consistent demonstration of working for the public good.

Carol Lewis
Texas Southern University

Carol Lewis is a professor in transportation studies and director emeritus of the Center for Transportation Training and Research at Texas Southern University (TSU), where she teaches the next generation of public service professionals the fundamentals of transportation and urban transportation issues. Before joining TSU in 1992, she spent 15 years as the manager and director of planning at the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO). Lewis chaired the Gulf Coast Rail District, which promotes multimodal mobility and safety at rail crossings, and was a member of the Houston Galveston Area Council's Transportation Policy Council and METRO Board of Directors. She previously served as a transportation advisor to former Houston Mayor Bill White and as chair of the City's Planning Commission. Her research for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Transportation and other public entities focuses on public transit for vulnerable communities, smart growth and strategic planning. Lewis holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Houston and master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Iowa.