Newswise — Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general of the United States, and Linda E. Stiff, deputy commissioner for Services and Enforcement at the Internal Revenue Service have earned the 2009 Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership. American University’s School of Public Affairs presented the awards at a ceremony on Tuesday, October 27, at the university’s Katzen Arts Center.
In its 32nd year, the Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership recognizes public servants in the federal government whose careers are marked by extraordinary effectiveness in organizational development and a strong commitment to training and educating managers and executives.
“Both Dodaro and Stiff have demonstrated superior leadership resulting in outstanding organizational achievements and have guided the careers of future federal service employees,” said William LeoGrande, dean of AU’s School of Public Affairs. “They epitomize dedication to public service, and I challenge our students to strive to emulate these two outstanding individuals as they embark on their future careers.”
In a GAO career spanning more than 30 years, Dodaro has held a number of key executive posts. He has headed GAO’s Accounting and Information Management Division, served as its chief operating officer, and currently serves as acting comptroller general. Dodaro holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.
In receiving this award, Dodaro remarked on the GAO as well as his achievements. “I spend a lot of time engaged in succession planning, coaching, and mentoring,” he said. “Picking the right person for a given job is central to our success. At the same time, I’m constantly looking ahead in terms of big issues facing the country.”
Stiff began her career at the IRS in 1980 as a revenue agent in Jacksonville, Florida. She advanced quickly through the ranks, serving as deputy commissioner for operations support, deputy commissioner of the Small Business/Self-Employed Division, director in the Wage and Investment Division, and other positions. In her current job as deputy commissioner for services and enforcement, she oversees all major decisions affecting the agency’s four divisions and manages more than 85,000 employees. Stiff holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rollins College.
“True greatness for an organization comes when there is a sense of trust and caring among the leadership team. I’ve learned that you should never underestimate the people you work with. If you create a working environment where people feel valued, things are possible that you couldn’t otherwise imagine,” said Stiff.
The award is named for Jones (1908–1993), a leader in federal government for more than four decades. Among his appointments, he served as chairman of the Civil Service Commission, deputy under secretary of state for administration, and senior consultant and special assistant to the director, Bureau of the Budget. His service was distinguished by his ability to lead change based on the belief that government can mobilize human talents to accomplish goals.
A record number of nominees was considered for this year’s awards. David M. Walker, former comptroller general of the United States, chaired the selection committee, which is composed of prominent government executives, including former Comptroller General Charles Bowsher. Robert Tobias, director of American University’s Key Executive Program, hosted the evening program in which John Berry, director of the United States Office of Personnel Management, was the keynote speaker.
Founded in 1934 and ranked among the top schools of its kind, American University’s School of Public Affairs offers education on the undergraduate, graduate, and executive levels in the fields of government, justice, public administration, public policy, and organizational development.
The School of Public Affairs engages faculty and graduates who are active in global policy legislation and advocacy. The school is home to research centers and institutes in the fields of political science, public administration, public policy, and justice. It is the only school of its kind with three accredited degrees—the MPA, MPP, and Executive MPA—by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs.
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