What is especially impressive about Parsons’ win is that his character was not originally planned as the series lead. Rather, he was the break-out character (a la Kramer on Seinfeld, or Dwight on The Office). But his characterization of Sheldon stole the show. Some even say he has made geekiness cool. If so, that’s the acting equivalent of splitting the atom.

Its work has covered a wide range of issues and activities, for example:

• Regarding telecommunications reform: Conveyed to the Washington policy community the dramatic changes in the telecommunications industry over the past two decades. WHWG’s messaging became shorthand throughout the policy world for describing how to bring regulations up to date.

• Regarding health care: WHWG help position the company as a health policy leader. This included helping to build relationships at the most senior levels between the company and other major players.

• Regarding patent reform: Through developing and organizing both briefings and conferences, WHWG helped the company advance the patent policy discussion in both the legislative and the judicial branches of the Federal government.

Marriott, known for its culture of service, faced a daunting challenge when rapid expansion challenged it to extend this culture to many new properties.

The White House Writers Group profiled the touching stories of twenty-plus exemplary Marriott “associates”— ranging from a world-class chef in Cairo, to a mentally handicapped young man who loves his job, to a doorman in Atlanta who greets arriving sports teams in their uniforms.  WHWG wrote Our Stories, about their struggles and service miracles—a book given to associates, featured on the Marriott website, and placed in Marriott rooms around the world.