Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Numerous local public servants will be recognized at the seventh annual Public Service Recognition Reception at 6 p.m. Friday, June 12, in the Burney Center at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The event is part of national Public Service Recognition Week which honors federal, state, local and nonprofit employees of the United States.

The honorable Carolyn Justice, who is currently serving her fourth term with the North Carolina General Assembly, will be the keynote speaker. Rep. Justice is a recognized and active community and environmental leader, exemplified by the numerous awards she has received, including 2007 Legislator of the Year by the N.C. Mental Health Association.

Tom Barth, UNC Wilmington master of public administration professor, will present awards for Public Servants of the Year and Public Organizations of the Year at the reception.

This event is being presented by the UNCW Master of Public Administration Program, the N. C. Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration and Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations.

Public servant nominees include:

Sam Burgess, principal development planner, New Hanover County

Sheriff Sid Causey, New Hanover County

Ruth Haas, executive director, Cape Fear Museum of History and Science

Daisy Ivey, town administrator, Ocean Isle Beach

Cynthia Jones, finance officer, Town of Burgaw

Al Lerch, superintendent of New Hanover schools

Tom Pollard, Wilmington city attorney

Frankie Roberts, executive director, LINC, Inc.

Barbara Sturniolo, community volunteer

Griff Weld, community volunteer

Public organization nominees include:

Association for Fundraising Professionals—Cape Fear Chapter

Cape Fear River Watch

Coastal Horizons Center

DREAM Center for Arts Education

Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center

New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Gang Task Force

Wilmington Railroad Museum

Media are invited to capture interview and visual opportunities at the awards ceremony.

Media Contact:

Joy Davis, UNCW marketing and communications, 910.916.8603 or davisjc@uncw.edu