By Steven Smith
General Services Administration

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2011 – In a salute to public service, GSA Administrator Martha N. Johnson praised the work government employees do to improve the quality of life in America.

"I think we are getting to a new frontier of being able to solve our problems and get on with the work of the government," Johnson said here today during a town hall meeting celebrating Public Service Recognition Week.

Along with Johnson, three Cabinet secretaries and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry participated in a panel discussion commending government employees and highlighting the president's commitment to public service and public servants.

"You do your jobs without complaint or much recognition," President Barack Obama stated in a recent letter to government workers. "But it is men and women like you who help make America all it is, by responding to the needs of our people, and keeping our country safe and secure."

Public Service Recognition Week is an annual dedication during the first week of May to honor public servants, whose contributions range from disease prevention to education and veterans' care. Public employees across the country provide essential services, solve and prevent serious problems, and help ensure public safety.

For its part, GSA routinely ranks as one of the best federal workplaces. In 2010, the agency was recognized by the Partnership for Public Service as one of the Top 10 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government for the fifth straight time.

"GSA is a great place to work," said Johnson. "First of all the people are terrific. You can find colleagues, mentors, expertise, skills, resources. You can just find it all at GSA."

Johnson also praised GSA for its leadership role on sustainability.

"If we aren't dealing with the workplace and the tools of the federal worker in a sustainable manner, the government cannot be sustainable," she said.

Public Service Recognition Week is hosted annually by the Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to revitalize the federal government by inspiring a new generation of public servants.

Read more about Public Service Recognition Week>>