AFMC civilians among Presidential Rank Award winners

8 Oct 2008 | Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs

President George W. Bush announced recipients of the prestigious Presidential Rank Awards for 2008 on Oct. 6, and the list includes nine civilians currently or recently assigned to Air Force Materiel Command.

There are two categories of rank awards: distinguished and meritorious. Award winners are chosen through a rigorous selection process. They are nominated by their agency heads, evaluated by boards comprised of private citizens, and approved by the President. The evaluation criteria focus on leadership and results.

Specific categories and recipients include:

2008 Distinguished Senior Professionals
> Dr. Donald B. Paul, the Chief Scientist, Air Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB.

2008 Distinguished Executives
> Barbara A. Westgate, a member of the Senior Executive Service. Currently she is Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. From July 2005 to September 2008, Mrs. Westgate served as Executive Director for AFMC at Wright-Patterson AFB.
> Patricia J. Zarodkiewicz, a member of the Senior Executive Service. Currently she is Deputy for Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. From June 2002 to June 2005, she served as Deputy Director of Financial Management at Headquarters AFMC at Wright-Patterson AFB. From July 2005 to September 2005, she served as Director of Financial Management at Headquarters AFMC.

2008 Meritorious Senior Professionals
> Dr. Alok Das, a member of the scientific and professional cadre of senior executives. He is the Senior Scientist for Design Innovation for AFRL at Wright-Patterson AFB.
> Barry L. Farmer, Chief Scientist for AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, at Wright-Patterson AFB.

2008 Meritorious Executives
> David C. Bond, a member of the Senior Executive Service. Currently he is Executive Director, Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, Calif. He was selected for reassignment as Director, Engineering and Technical Management, Headquarters AFMC. He will assume that position in late October.
> Patsy J. Reeves, a member of the Senior Executive Service. She is the Director of Contracting for the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson AFB.
> Joe Sciabica, a member of the Senior Executive Service. He is Executive Director for AFRL at Wright-Patterson AFB.
> Dr. Larry B. Simpson, a member of the Senior Executive Service. He is Director, 308th Armament Systems Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla.

Each year, the President selects an elite group of career members of the Senior Executive Service, Senior-Level and Scientific and Professional corps for their exceptional leadership, accomplishments, and service over an extended period of time.

Michael Hager, Acting Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, which administers the Presidential Rank Award program, said the winners represent the cream of the crop within the Federal executive ranks.

"Their professional dedication and commitment to excellence is helping to advance President Bush's agenda for enhancing Federal Government performance and creating a more effective civil service," Mr. Hager said.

The honor carries with it a cash award for recipients. In addition, each winner receives a signed certificate from the President and a lapel pin.

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