Contact: Geoffrey Gloak, 518-457-7377
The State Academy for Public Administration (SAPA) has presented its 2012 Public Service Excellence Awards for outstanding service to New York State. The awards were presented to two agency senior managers and two teams.
SAPA is a unique public administration organization founded in 1974 to improve public service. The organization cited the recipients' vision, management skills, and their ability to lead the way to an ever-higher level of service for New Yorkers throughout the state. The Academy also lauded the individuals and teams for their work "that will fundamentally improve the well-being of all state residents."
"In this time of permanent fiscal crisis, when public administrators are increasingly called upon to do more with less, this is a fitting opportunity to celebrate those in public service who go above and beyond," said Paul Shatsoff, Chairman of the State Academy's Board of Directors. "Public Service Recognition Week is an opportunity to not only draw attention to the accomplishments of individuals but also to the agencies they represent."
Lynn Hait, New York Power Authority
Lynn Hait has served the New York Power Authority for more than 35 years in positions of increasing responsibility. His exceptional leadership skills were demonstrated during and after the flooding events on the Schohaire Creek and the Mohawk River related to Tropical Storms Irene and Lee in late August and early September 2011. Throughout, Lynn Hait's dedication, command of technical and administrative issues, and ability to remain calm in the most trying circumstances epitomized excellence in public service.
Nonie Manion, Department of Taxation and Finance
Nonie Manion's achievements in helping New York State become a leader in tax administration are only matched by her willingness to promote best practices and share experiences with fellow tax administrators in other states and at the IRS. Her vision and management skills have saved taxpayers millions of dollars through the use of leading-edge, analytical computer and software technologies. Nonie, who began her career with the Tax Department as a trainee nearly 24 years ago, was the driving force behind the department's Voluntary Disclosure Program, which helps eligible taxpayers who owe back taxes "clean their slate" and avoid monetary penalties and possible criminal charges. This one program alone generates more than $100 million per year.
Medicaid Redesign Team
The Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) was created to uncover ways to save money and improve quality within the Medicaid program and was composed of health care industry, business and consumer leaders, state officers, and state legislative leaders.
The result has been a reduction of Medicaid's annual growth rate of 13% to less than 1% saving New York taxpayers $2.2 billion in 2011-12. Over 175 New York State Department of Health (DOH) staff have been involved in implementing the projects recommended by the MRT, working across offices, divisions and agencies and helped to create the final MRT action plan. The success of New York State's Medicaid Redesign Team would not have been possible without the commitment, professionalism, flexibility and teamwork demonstrated by the staff involved in this project exhibiting true excellence in public service.
Department of Transportation Statewide Emergency Response/Support Team
The New York State Department of Transportation's statewide team of emergency responders and support staff were engaged in emergency response, damage assessment and recovery related to devastating back-to-back storms - Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee - for over thirty consecutive days in the late summer 2011.
The response was the largest and most sustained state-wide response and recovery event in recent history. The impact of the storms affected communities in 36 counties from the Adirondack's through the Hudson Valley to Long Island, across the Taconics and the Catskills into Schoharie Valley and the Southern Tier. With the closure of nearly 400 roads and bridges and the disruption of rail and air travel, NYSDOT employees provided exemplary service to affected communities at a time of dire need. Each member of the New York State Department of Transportation's statewide team of emergency responders played a critical role in this extraordinary response to extraordinary events which exemplify excellence in public service.
The State Academy for Public Administration was founded in 1974 to recognize and utilize the skills and talent of senior public officials for credible research on issues of public policy in New York state and similar contributions. The State Academy for Public Administration recognizes senior public manager's achievements in public service and significant contributions to public administration and would be reinforced by admission through their election as "Fellows" of the Academy. Additional information about SAPA and Public Recognition Week is available at www.stateacademy.org or at www.psrw.org.
This press release was issued on behalf of the State Academy for Public Administration (SAPA).
For more information, contact:
William T. Tyrrell
SAPA Executive Director
518-765-4139