Washington, D.C. - President George W. Bush has recognized recipients of the prestigious Presidential Rank Awards for 2006. Each year, the President honors an elite group of career members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL) and Scientific and Professional (ST) corps who are selected for their outstanding leadership, accomplishments and service over an extended period of time in some of the nation's most critical positions in the federal government. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) administers the Presidential Rank Award Program.

"These award winners should take pride in being selected by President George W. Bush," said Linda M. Springer, Director of OPM.  "They have worked hard and have produced results for the American people."

Springer noted President Bush has conferred the 2006 Presidential Rank Award on 297 executives representing 33 agencies and departments.

The Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Executive and Senior Professional may be awarded to one percent of career members of the SES and SL/ST corps and includes a cash award of 35 percent of basic pay.  The Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive and Senior Professional may be awarded to no more than five percent of the career SES and SL/ST corps, and includes a cash award of 20 percent of basic pay. Each winner is also presented with a signed certificate from the President.

A list of the Presidential Rank Award recipients for 2006 is located on OPM's website at  http://www.opm.gov/ses/2006dspe.asp and  http://www.opm.gov/ses/2006merit.asp.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.