DAVID SMITH NAMED 2008 NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD WINNER
County Manager David R. Smith has been named the 2008 National Public Service Award winner by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). The honor is the premier national award for excellence in public service at all levels of government. Smith was presented the prestigious award today at the American Society of Public Administration National Conference at the Fairmont Dallas in Dallas,Texas.
”David has an outstanding ability to put the Board of Supervisor’s vision into action,” said Maricopa County Supervisors’ Chairman Andy Kunasek. “We‘re proud of him and glad to have him recognized nationally by his peers.”
ASPA and the Academy established the National Public Service Awards in 1983 to honor individuals whose accomplishments are models of public service, both inside and outside the work environment. The awards recognize individuals who exhibit the highest standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment over a sustained period of time and who are creative and skilled career managers.
"The National Public Service Award is presented by the nation's two leading associations of public administrators, to recognize lifetime achievement in the field of public services,” said Robert B. Denhardt, Arizona State University Regents Professor and Director, School of Public Affairs in the College of Public Programs.
“David Smith's contributions to local government over the course of his career, but especially here in Maricopa County, are recognized nationally and internationally as being on the cutting-edge of what's happening in public service today. This is a most significant honor and one that is richly deserved.”
As Maricopa County Manager since 1994, Smith moved the county from dire financial straits and a reputation for ineffective government to one that has high bond ratings and responds to the needs of its citizens. Under the direction of the Board of Supervisors, his leadership led to creation of the Human Service Campus, which provides Phoenix's growing homeless population with access to resources for housing, health care, and employment.
“The 2008 National Public Service Award presented by the American Society for Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration is very gratifying because it is a peer award from practitioners and academicians who are dedicated to careers in public service,” Smith said. “Our talented employees at Maricopa County make positive things happen everyday. We will continue to work to live up to our county motto: “serving our community with pride, integrity, and respect.”