“These award winners have gone above and beyond in fighting for small business, not just their own, or even their own industry, but to make sure entrepreneurship remains viable for generations to come.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 22, 2026
Contact:
Molly Brogan
202-276-2131
Washington, D.C. – NSBA today announced the winners of the 2026 Lewis Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year Award during the opening luncheon for its annual fly-in, the NSBA Washington Presentation.
“I am honored to recognize this year’s group of award winners, led by Christine Hopkins, of Anchorage, Alaska, who has been a persistent and tireless advocate for small business,” stated NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken. “Part of what makes our community of small businesses so special is the belief in and dedication to small business as part of the American dream, and Christine, and all our finalists have shown a great deal of tenacity in fighting for that dream.”
NSBA is honoring the following small-business owners for their excellence in advocating on small-business issues:
Overall Award Winner: Christine Hopkins, President and CEO of ASCI Federal Services, has championed policies supporting women-owned and veteran-owned small businesses, advocated for tax reform and procurement equity on Capitol Hill, and mentored entrepreneurs nationwide.
Rising Star Award Winner: Dr. Whitney G. Colella of Gaia Energy Research Institute in Alexandria, VA, is a dedicated advocate for America’s small research and technology companies and has worked to protect and strengthen the SBIR program. The Rising Star Award recognizes small-business owners who are relatively new to the advocacy arena but making a big impact.
Other Finalists recognized include:
- Sanjyot Dunung – Atma Global in New York City, NY, a digital learning and advisory firm;
- LaMar Holliday – Holliday Collaborative Agency in Indianapolis, IN, a full-service PR, marketing and government relations firm; and
- Anthony Roberts – the Tony Roberts Company in Fullerton, CA, a foodservice company serving California schools.
“Being a small-business advocate takes a lot of time, dedication and passion,” stated Bill Belknap, NSBA 2026 Chair. “These award winners have gone above and beyond in fighting for small business, not just their own, or even their own industry, but to make sure entrepreneurship remains viable for generations to come.”
On behalf of all small businesses, NSBA applauds this year’s award winners.
Celebrating nearly 90 years in operation, NSBA is a staunchly nonpartisan organization advocating on behalf of America’s entrepreneurs. NSBA's 65,000 members represent every state and every industry in the U.S. Please visit www.NSBAadvocate.org or follow us at @NSBAAdvocate.
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