NAGC Announces Andrew J. Bassett as Recipient of the 2026 Ann F. Isaacs Founder’s Award

NAGC Announces Andrew J. Bassett as Recipient of the 2026 Ann F. Isaacs Founder’s Award 

Washington, DC (10/26/2026) – The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) proudly announces Andrew J. Bassett, former Director of Finance and Administration, as the 2026 recipient of the 2026 Ann F. Isaacs Founder’s Award. This award, selected by the NAGC Board of Directors, recognizes individuals whose dedication and service have made a lasting contribution to the association and its mission. 

Bassett joined NAGC in 2001 and dedicated more than 24 years to supporting the organization, its staff, and its members. As Director of Finance and Administration, he provided steady leadership across NAGC’s financial and administrative operations, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, audits, investments, contracts, human resources, technology, and office operations. His work helped ensure the association had the resources, systems, and support needed to advance its mission. 

Throughout his tenure, Bassett worked closely with NAGC’s Board, Finance Committee, and staff to support responsible financial planning and stewardship of the association’s resources. His broad knowledge of NAGC’s operations and his ability to navigate complex administrative and financial matters made him a trusted resource and a steady presence through years of organizational change. 

“Andy's contributions to NAGC over more than two decades have been invaluable. He consistently showed deep institutional knowledge, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to the organization’s mission and members. Andy was someone we could count on to solve problems, support our staff and Board, and ensure NAGC had what it needed to keep moving forward. Even in retirement, he has continued to share his time and expertise with us. We are grateful for his extraordinary service and the lasting foundation he helped build for NAGC,” said Catherine Little, NAGC Board of Directors President. 

Before joining NAGC, Bassett spent more than a decade with the U.S. Department of State, serving in progressively responsible financial and administrative roles, including Director of the Working Capital Fund, where he managed an annual budget of $130 million. Earlier in his career, he worked in corporate planning, software training, and systems analysis. He earned an MBA in finance and international business from Syracuse University and dual bachelor’s degrees in computer science and economics from SUNY Potsdam. 

Although Bassett retired from NAGC in 2025, his connection to the organization has continued. Over the past year, he has periodically provided assistance, generously sharing his institutional knowledge and experience when needed. His willingness to remain a resource for NAGC reflects the same dedication and dependability that characterized his service throughout his career. 

Bassett will be formally recognized with the 2026 Ann F. Isaacs Founder’s Award during the Celebration of Excellence at NAGC26, taking place November 5–8, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

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About the National Association for Gifted Children 

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is the nation’s leading organization focused on the needs of gifted and talented children. Dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who support children with advanced abilities, NAGC provides energizing professional learning, impactful research, and inspiring advocacy to allow its members to work collaboratively so that all children have equitable opportunities and support to develop their gifts and talents.