The City of Salina is proud to announce that Executive Assistant Holly McGinnis has been awarded the 2026 Nancy Crain Municipal Administrative Professional of the Year Award, the most prestigious honor presented by the Administrative Assistants of Kansas Cities/Counties (AAKC).
Established in 2009 and renamed in honor of AAKC founding member Nancy Crain, the award recognizes outstanding administrative professionals who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, professional development, and commitment to their communities.
Holly’s nomination highlights her decade-long record of service and leadership within AAKC, and 16-year dedication to the City of Salina.
City Manager Jacob Wood, who submitted the formal nomination, applauded Holly’s exceptional professionalism and impact on day‑to‑day city operations. “Holly serves in one of the most demanding administrative roles in city government," Wood wrote. “Her ability to manage complex situations, coordinate communication across departments, and maintain a high level of professionalism is essential to the effective operation of our city government.”
In addition to her work inside City Hall, Holly is recognized for strengthening employee culture by coordinating the annual Employee Appreciation Breakfast and leading the City’s Project Salina campaign for the local food bank.
Holly’s professional accomplishments extend far beyond Salina. Since attending her first AAKC conference in 2016, she has served two terms as AAKC Vice President and is the organization’s current President. She has played a key role in modernizing AAKC’s bylaws, encouraging new membership, and organizing major conferences, including the 2018 Fall Conference and the 2023 Spring Conference—both noted for high engagement and exceptional execution. In 2024, Holly earned her Certified Municipal Assistant (CMA) designation, a milestone reflecting her commitment to continued professional development.
Colleagues also praised her compassion, character, and positive influence, saying, “Holly listens without judgment, reaches out when you need it most, and never forgets to keep you in her prayers. Her kindness and attention to detail show up in everything she does, and she makes everyone around her feel valued and supported.”
Holly shares this special honor with her husband, Eddie, her children, grandchildren, and her entire family. Their encouragement and support have made her achievements possible.
The winner of the 2026 Nancy Crain Award was announced at the Spring AAKC Conference and will be formally recognized at the Kansas League of Municipalities Fall Conference