HRSA Senior Advisor Wins 2008 Presidential Rank Award

	U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration HRSA NEWS ROOM http://newsroom.hrsa.gov

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Friday, October 10, 2008

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HRSA Senior Advisor Wins 2008 Presidential Rank Award

HRSA Senior Advisor Steve Smith has been selected as a recipient of a 2008 Presidential Rank Award, one of the most prestigious awards offered to federal senior executives and professionals.

Each year, the President honors career members of the Senior Executive Service, Senior Level, and Scientific and Professional Corps for their accomplishments and service in some of the nation's most critical positions in the federal government. Smith was one of only seven recipients of the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive, given for sustained accomplishment, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

His selection is based on several achievements, including:

shaping the features of the President’s plan to place health centers in high-poverty counties;
spearheading consolidation of HRSA’s grant management operations;
implementing the new Departmental accounting system as the agency’s acting chief financial officer in 2006; and
leading HRSA’s efforts to expand oral health and mental health services.

Presidential Rank Award recipients are selected after a rigorous review process, administered by the Office of Personnel Management, that includes evaluation by private citizens. This year the awards were announced for 353 leaders in 30 agencies.

Meritorious Executive and Meritorious Senior Professional awards may be bestowed on no more than 5 percent of the career Senior Executive Service, Senior Level, and Scientific and Professional Corps. The awards include a cash award of 20 percent of basic pay, a signed certificate from the President, and a distinctive lapel pin.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), part of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. Under a 70-year-old congressional mandate, HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau works to safeguard the health of the nation's women, children and families. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov.