Gov. Gregoire honors 20 state government leaders for excellence

For Immediate Release: June 5, 2012

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today presented 20 state managers with the Governor�s Leadership in Management Award in recognition of their outstanding leadership. Accomplishments included support for public safety, increasing information to the public by maximizing technology, efficient delivery of public services, and millions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

�As we continue to navigate through a difficult economy, these leaders have risen to the challenge by finding new ways of doing business, saving tax payer money, and managing government more efficiently,� Gregoire said. �Their commitment and exceptional service to Washington�s taxpayers is what public service is all about. I�m inspired by their dedication.�

The recipients received the award during a luncheon at the Executive Mansion.

Thirty-eight managers were nominated by 18 agencies for the award. A selection committee composed of agency directors selected the winners based on demonstrated performance.

The Leadership in Management program was created in 1985 to recognize state government managers who demonstrate excellent performance. In 2006, Gregoire reinvigorated the program with criteria that focus on performance, accountability and proven business results.

2012 recipients of the Governor�s Award for Leadership in Management

Denise Addotta Clifford, Department of Health, for improving the state�s drinking water program by streamlining staff duties and implementing technology for online certification applications, saving $25,000 per year.

Don Clintsman, Department of Social & Health Services, for leading the closure of the Francis Haddon Morgan Center while ensuring patients with developmental disabilities and their families received services and current information about their options.

Darrell Davenport, Department of Retirement Systems, for leading several technology improvement initiatives, including one that reduces computer processing time resulting in savings of $250,000 per year.

Kathy Eberle, Department of Licensing, for acting as the central figure in deploying a number of customer service improvements across DOL field offices, resulting in significant reductions in wait times at drivers licensing offices.

Myke Gable, Department of Licensing, for reducing agency expenses while improving fraud detection and customer service.
Patrick Glebe, Department of Corrections, for leading the implementation of security measures that account for all staff when an offender is suspected missing.

Tracy Guerin, Department of Social & Health Services, for her exemplary leadership and commitment to the agency�s staff and mission during challenging financial times.

Janet Kastl, Department of Health, for developing and implementing a statewide Emergency Medical and Trauma system that is recognized as a national model.

Tedd Kelleher, Department of Commerce, for implementing two new homeless programs to serve clients more effectively and improve the systems available to vulnerable populations.

John LaRocque, Department of Commerce, for his leadership in getting the 2012 Public Works project list approved, providing $324,585,000 for projects in 78 communities.

Julie Lord, Employment Security Department, for establishing a new Work Source facility in Monroe, increasing access to employment services in remote parts of Snohomish County and achieving a 17 percent jump in customers finding jobs.

Jaymie Mai, Department of Labor & Industries, for her groundbreaking work that has saved lives and millions of dollars through pharmacy benefit management.

Bill McDonald, Employment Security Department, for helping nearly 3,200 employers reduce their payrolls without losing skilled staff by paying partial unemployment benefits to close to 38,000 employees.

Pat McLaughlin, Liquor Control Board, for leading the agency to generate a record return of more than $425 million to fund essential and local services while implementing the transition from state-run to private liquor sales with compassion and professionalism.

Jeffrey Otis, Washington State Patrol, for his commitment to public safety and the needs of the citizens in the communities he serves.

Dan Pacholke, Department of Corrections, for leading the prisons division through the tragedy of a fallen officer and making changes to policy and security practices to ensure it doesn�t happen again.

Grant Rodeheaver, Department of Transportation, for providing a dynamic IT vision for nearly 7,000 WSDOT employees and distributing real-time traveler information to more than 1 million people every day through Web and social media tools.

Jim Schmidt, Office of Financial Management, for updating the state Input-Output table, a significant and unique tool for Washington�s economic and business communities.

Tom Tebb, Department of Ecology, for successfully co-developing guiding principles for a Domestic Water Preserve program in Upper Kittitas County.

Rochelle Tillett, Attorney General�s Office, for leading her division and DSHS through increased legal work with dwindling resources to protect the most vulnerable populations in Washington.