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The people who do our nations work often go unnoticed, says Max
Stier, Partnership for Public Service (PPS) President and CEO.Thats
why the Service to America Medals are so importantthey
showcase the good that our public servants do. The Public
Manager asked four finalists recognized for smart
budgeting:What made it possible to carry
out your vision and accomplish your goal? They answered
unanimously: Focus.
Here is more about their projects and how they got the jobs done.
W. Todd Grams
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Achievement: Integrated and streamlined agency
operations, reduced costs, and delivered better service.
We tied our CFO initiatives to the [Departments] priorities and
goals, with a specific focus on where we can have the greatest
impact on improving veterans services and increasing value for the
taxpayer dollar. Within this strategic construct, we have
established a strong program management environment that maintains
attention to priorities (at the expense of less important efforts);
encourages and enforces accountability; and provides assistance and
support to project teams to help ensure their success.
Bill Guerin
General Services Administration
Achievement: In only 18 months and $565 million
under budget, obligated $5.5 billion in stimulus funding to make
federal buildings more energy efficient and sustainable.
GSAs focused project management team rallied behind my plan to
reinvest in public buildingsto make them sustainable workplaces.
GSA worked proactively and creatively to overcome any obstacle. We
developed new ways to communicate and track information, organized
spending plans that allowed maximum flexibility and control, and
worked together tirelessly to deliver on our commitment to
stimulate the economy quickly.
Ann Marie Oliva
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Achievement: Created new data systems that
shortened the time it takes to award homeless grants from 213 to 61
days, reduced administrative costs by 90 percent and provided
information to better evaluate homeless programs.
Working to end homeless-ness has been the singular focus of my
career. While e-snaps is the most technically difficult project I
have ever managed due to the need to get critical funds to service
providers on time, the office work does not compare to the
challenge of living on the streets or being in a shelter with your
kids. That is the driving force
that motivates me and my team to get the job done.
Janet St. Laurent
U.S. Government Accountability Office
Achievement: Provided management and financial
oversight that has helped the Pentagon save $20 billion while
ensuring our troops have the equipment and training they need.
Three strategies have been critical to securing cost savings and
improving business operation efficiencies. First, hiring capable,
dedicated staff and investing in development built GAOs knowledge
of defense issues and led to results. Second, establishing
performance goals and tracking progress has focused us on cost
savings. Third, building relationships with department and
congressional leaders has yielded actions on our
recommendations.