Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang and other City officials honored the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding City Employee Award and the Brian Murphy Award for Leadership in the Workplace and Public Service at a special ceremony in Cambridge City Hall on Friday.
The City Manager’s Outstanding Employee Awards program recognizes employees nominated by peers, department leaders, and/or members of the community for superior performance, positive attitude, hard work, and dedication to public service. The Brian Murphy Award for Leadership in the Workplace and Public Service is a distinguished recognition given to leaders who display extraordinary qualities in the workplace and dedication to community service.
2026 Outstanding Employee of the Year winners:
| Carolina Almonte |
Executive Director |
HRC, CIRC, & PRAB Equity and Inclusion Department |
| Jennifer Baily |
Program Manager |
Cambridge Public Health Department |
| Phil DeGuglielmo |
Division Head for Administration |
Department Human Service Programs |
| Francesca Edouard |
Assistant Manager, Borrower Services |
Cambridge Public Library |
| Brian Hilaire |
Tech Support Specialist |
Department of Human Service Programs |
| Lillian Hsu |
Director of Public Art & Exhibitions |
Arts Council - Community Development |
| Melissa Liu |
Participatory Budgeting and Engagement Coordinator |
Budget Office |
| Kelsey McGuffie |
Office Manager |
Law Department |
| Lt. Paul F. Morrison |
Lieutenant, Rescue 1 |
Fire Department |
| Louis Mothon |
Senior Engineer |
Department of Public Works |
| Devin King |
Police Officer |
Police Department |
| Sharon Pu |
Grants Management Accountant |
Finance Department |
| Katie Quizhpe |
Community School Director |
Department of Human Service Programs |
| Olivia Ratay |
Zoning Specialist |
Inspectional Services Department |
| Andy Reker |
Transit Program Manager |
Department of Transportation |
| Kevin Richardson |
Compliance Officer |
Department of Public Works |
| Aoife Viglianti |
Supervising Architect |
Capital Building Projects |
The Brian Murphy Award for Leadership in the Workplace and Public Service, which was first given in 2015, exemplifies the essence of selflessness and a steadfast philosophy of paying it forward. The award, named after late Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Brian Murphy, recognizes how a current or former City employee (who held a leadership role within the last two years) creates/created a supportive and nurturing learning environment for their colleagues while setting a standard for their peers in providing effective public service. Through their unwavering commitment and mentorship, this award recognizes leaders who prepare the City's workforce for success and generously share their expertise and knowledge. The candidate for this award is deeply committed to continuous professional development, embodying leadership, and service in every aspect of their career.
2026 Brian Murphy Award for Leadership in the Workplace and Public Service recipient:
| Michele Kincaid |
Deputy Finance Director |
Finance Department |
During the ceremony, City Manager Yi-An Huang said, "This event acknowledges the essential role staff play in advancing the City’s work. The progress and impact the City has made and continues to make reflects the dedication and professionalism our employees bring to the organization. This ceremony stands as an important recognition of our employees’ significant contributions to both the City and the community we serve.”
Learn more about the awards and past recipients.