U.S. Senator John Boozman’s longtime Chief of Staff, Toni-Marie Higgins, has been honored with one of Congress’ highest professional recognitions after being named the 2026 Democracy Award recipient for Chief of Staff of the Year by the Congressional Management Foundation.
The award recognizes Higgins’ leadership in building a strong team culture and maintaining a high standard of service for the people of Arkansas throughout her years serving in Boozman’s office.
The Chief of Staff of the Year award is especially significant because the recipient is selected by fellow Chiefs of Staff serving on Capitol Hill. The honor recognizes experienced congressional leaders who demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic vision, staff development and dedication to the institution of Congress.
Nearly Two Decades of Service
Higgins has served as a member of Senator Boozman’s staff since 2007, helping oversee both the senator’s Washington office and constituent services throughout Arkansas.
Senator Boozman praised Higgins for her leadership and dedication, saying her contributions have played an invaluable role in serving Arkansans.
“Toni-Marie’s impact on my office’s work to represent and support Arkansans has been immeasurable and invaluable. She has served as a dedicated member of my staff since 2007 and we are inspired by her leadership, mentorship, tireless work ethic and effective advocacy. Year after year, she builds even stronger ties within our state while also making critical contributions to Congress, and the Senate community in particular. My entire team and I are very proud of Toni-Marie and agree she is richly deserving of this recognition,” Boozman said.
Recognized by Congressional Peers
The Congressional Management Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Jen Daulby, said Higgins stood out because of her ability to create an office culture focused on excellence and long-term success.
“Chiefs of Staff play a pivotal role in translating a Member’s vision into an effective, high-performing office. What distinguished Toni-Marie Higgins was her ability to build something lasting: a strong team culture, effective management practices, and a commitment to excellence that extends beyond any single Congress. That kind of leadership strengthens not only an office, but the institution as a whole,” Daulby said.
About the Democracy Awards
The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a bipartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the legislative branch of the federal government.
Its annual Democracy Awards recognize outstanding non-legislative achievements by members of Congress and their staffs, highlighting excellence in constituent service, workplace culture, communications and leadership.
Previous Recognition for Boozman’s Office
This is not the first time Senator Boozman’s office has received national recognition from the Congressional Management Foundation.
In 2018, Boozman’s entire congressional staff, including offices in Washington and across Arkansas, received the Democracy Award for Constituent Service. The honor recognized the office’s commitment to assisting Arkansans and reflected the senator’s unofficial motto of using “the power of the office for good.”
With Higgins now earning the 2026 Chief of Staff of the Year honor, Boozman’s office continues to receive recognition for leadership and service both in Arkansas and on Capitol Hill.
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