Secretary Geren congratulates recipients of Presidential Rank awards

By Holly MeyerJuly 30, 2009

Secretary congratulates recipients of Presidential Rank awards
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 30, 2009) -- Joyce E. Morrow, now the administrative assistant to the Secretary of the Army, accepted her first federal job because it kept her close to her small town in Pennsylvania. More than 29 years later, Morrow said she never anticipated her hard work and effort would bring her to the most senior civil servant position in the Army.

"I feel very honored to serve in the position that I do, providing that direct support to the Secretary of the Army as well as other principal officials," Morrow said.

On Wednesday, Morrow and 21 other recipients received a Presidential Rank Award at Arlington National Cemetery. The awards are the most prestigious recognitions afforded to executive and senior professionals.

The award recipients were nominated by the Secretary of the Army, evaluated by boards of private citizens and approved by the president. The recipients were chosen for producing results as leaders or high achievements in their professional, technical or scientific roles.

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren presented the recipients with one of the three awards: Distinguished Executive Rank Award, Meritorious Executive Rank Award or Meritorious Senior Professional Rank Award.

"The Army is truly fortunate to have these leaders of the highest caliber, dedicated and selfless leaders who are innovative and who are present in shaping the Army of the future," Geren said.

Morrow and four others received the Distinguished Executive Rank Award, which is only given to one percent of career members.

"As a career civilian, that's the top echelon," Morrow said. "It's a great feeling."

Since March 2006, Morrow has served as the principal civilian advisor to the Secretary of the Army for all administrative matters. She oversees 2,300 personnel who execute a diverse portfolio of support services to Headquarters, Department of the Army and other Department of Defense activities in the Pentagon. She executes an annual budget of $10 billion.

Under Morrow's guidance, the organization has increased its efficiency and effectiveness and achieved a recurring annual savings of $35 million.

"I truly see the value of what I currently do," Morrow said. "I really can genuinely see how what we do supports the Army, the Soldiers and the commitment to the defense of the nation."

Awarded to only five percent of career members, the Meritorious Executive Rank Awards were given to 16 recipients, six of whom were senior civilian leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"The Army and the nation benefit daily from their extraordinary efforts," said Maj. Gen. Don Riley, deputy chief of engineers and deputy commanding general of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. "These people represent the best of the corps, and the best of the Army -- and they set the standard for our profession."

Army recipients of the 2008 Presidential Rank awards include:

Distinguished Executive Rank Award Recipients

-- William H. Campbell, III

-- Joyce E. Morrow

-- Philip E. Sakowitz, Jr.

-- Edward C. Thomas

-- Edgar B. Vandiver, III

Meritorious Executive Rank Award Recipients

-- John J. Argodale

-- James T. Blake

-- Gary W. Blohm

-- Grace M. Bochenek

-- Lester S. Dixon

-- Karen Durham-Aguilera

-- Teresa W. Gerton

-- Jeffery P. Holland

-- Gary P. Martin

-- Wesley C. Miller

-- John B. Nerger

-- Dale A. Ormond

-- Jeffrey P. Parsons

-- Patricia A. Rivers

-- Mark A. Sagan

-- Michael B. White

Meritorious Senior Professional Rank Award Recipient

-- Claire C. Gordon