Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Wilmington, N.C. - Individuals and organizations providing exceptional public service will be in the spotlight during the fourth annual Public Service Recognition Reception from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 25, at the Wise Alumni House, 1713 Market Street, Wilmington.

The celebration is sponsored by the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the Southeastern North Carolina Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), and the Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations (QENO).

Recognition will be given to the Public Servant of the Year in local and state government and non-profit arenas and the Public Organization of the Year for both government and non-profits. A Special Award for Exceptional Public Service will also be presented.

New Hanover County Manager Bruce Shell will give the keynote address.

Nominees this year include:

Public Servants of the Year

Connie Hendrix, executive director, New Hope Clinic (Southport) which provides health care services to low income individuals.

Art Costantini, area director, Southeastern Center for Mental Health (covers Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties)

Denver Brown, PATH counselor, Southeastern Center for Mental Health

Laurie Myles, executive director, Lower Cape Fear Hospice

Sterling Cheatham, manager, City of Wilmington

Lillian Salcines, state district attorney (based in Bolivia)

Dexter Hayes, planning director, New Hanover County (recently retired)

Glenda Pridgen, administrative officer, Pender County

Linda Bethune, town clerk, Caswell Beach

Public Organizations of the Year

Senior/Youth Center, Town of Bolton

Parks, Recreation & Downtown Services Division, City of Wilmington

LINC, Inc., located in Wilmington, provides transitional services, including housing and employment, for individuals leaving the prison system

Tileston Clinic

Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.

The reception is being underwritten by Southern Corrosion, Inc. and the UNCW Division for Public Service and Continuing Studies.

For additional information, contact Dr. Tom Barth, chair of the UNCW Department of Political Science, 910/962-3385.