LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Policy and Administration has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing two individuals for their significant contributions to public service in Kentucky.

Sally Hamilton will be inducted into the Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame, while Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral David Duttlinger will receive the Martin School's Distinguished Alumni Award. Both honorees will be recognized during an Alumni and Friends reception at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center.

Hamilton serves as chief administrative officer of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, a position she has held for 13 years. Her career in government service spans more than five decades, beginning in 1975 with the Kentucky Department of Local Government. She previously worked at the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, Kentucky Educational Television and the Department of Education. Hamilton earned her bachelor's degree from Chatham University in Pittsburgh and holds both a Master of Arts degree and Ph.D. in German studies from UK.

As the hall of fame's 15th honoree, Hamilton has worked closely with two city mayors — Jim Gray and Linda Gorton — overseeing administration across multiple departments. Linda Breathitt, chair of the Martin School Board of Visitors, said Hamilton "epitomizes the meaning of public service and leadership." The Public Service Hall of Fame was established in 2012 to recognize Kentuckians who have demonstrated extraordinary public service to their communities and state.

Duttlinger, a 2002 graduate of the Martin School's Master of Public Administration program, currently serves as executive director of the Bluegrass Area Development District, which serves 17 counties and over 800,000 residents across central Kentucky. A Berea native, Duttlinger attended Vanderbilt University on a Navy ROTC scholarship and completed active duty tours at naval facilities in Alaska and California.

Since joining the Bluegrass ADD in 2007, Duttlinger has led community and economic development efforts while maintaining an exceptional military career. He was promoted to rear admiral in the U.S. Navy Reserves in October 2022, serving as deputy commander for Naval Facilities Engineering Command and leading approximately 20,000 active duty and reserve Construction Battalions worldwide. He retired from the Navy in 2025 and was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service. Duttlinger also holds a Master of Science in environmental engineering from Stanford University.

The Distinguished Alumni Award, created in 2010, is presented annually to a Martin School graduate who has demonstrated excellence within public service. The Martin School, ranked 27th nationally in public affairs programs, prepares students for leadership roles in government, nonprofits and advocacy organizations.