New York State employees to benefit from Public Service Award says Governor

… Honorees will receive a $5,000 professional development scholarship

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Wednesday that nominations are now being accepted for the Empire Star Public Service Award, a $5,000 professional development scholarship program for New York State employees. Nominations are being accepted for those who have distinguished themselves through their dedication to serve the public with a high level of performance, integrity, and pride.

“Every day, hardworking men and women who make up the state’s public workforce strive to help improve the lives of their fellow New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “With the launch of the Empire Star Public Service Award, employees who demonstrate an extraordinary level of dedication to their work will be honored, and we will acknowledge their contributions to the Empire State as we continue to support a stronger, better New York for all.”
According to a statement from the Governor’s office, the Empire Star Public Service Award will recognize exemplary state government employees from all ten regions of New York, based upon their principle office location. To be eligible for consideration, nominees must be a New York State employee serving in the Executive Branch. Nominations must be submitted no later than December 15, 2017 and can be completed online at: www.ny.gov/EmpireStarPublicService.
Individuals who are nominated will be notified via email and asked to submit an application for final consideration that will be reviewed by a panel of state government leaders. Final applications are due by January 15, 2018.
All applications will be reviewed for program eligibility and evaluated for performance and excellence. The review process may also include interviews with agency personnel to obtain additional information in support of the nomination.
Cuomo said that final selection will be made collectively by the Awards Selection Committee, which includes:
Rossana Rosado, Secretary of State
Lola W. Brabham, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Civil Service
Michael N. Volforte, Director of the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations
Robert H. Samson, Chief Information Officer of the Office of Information Technology Services
Eric J. Hesse, Director of the Division of Veterans’ Affairs
Kerry Delaney, Acting Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the Office for Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The Governor posited that the $5,000 professional development scholarship will go towards supporting participation in advanced training via classroom or online courses, admission in college or community college classes that will benefit them in their current public employment, as well as for materials and equipment to support additional training.
Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, “New York State has thousands of employees who work tirelessly to improve the lives of every New Yorker. With the launch of the Empire Star Public Service Award we commend our workforce for their high standards in public service, including dedication, and commitment to excellence to make this state a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
“From our first responders to our engineers, nurses, research scientists, plow drivers, and more, New York State government is privileged to be composed of a diverse and dedicated workforce that is committed to serving the people of the great Empire State,” said Acting Civil Service Commissioner Lola W. Brabham. “This new program will publicly recognize the accomplishments of our most outstanding public servants, while supporting their professional growth, so that we can continue to draw upon their full talent and potential and provide the public with the best possible services.”
“While every employee’s contribution is important and appreciated, many individual contributors often stand out by exemplifying the highest standards of public service and exceeding what is simply expected of them in their day-to-day role, as well as in unforeseen circumstances and emergencies,” said Director of the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations Michael N. Volforte said. “I commend all of our employees for their dedication to making New York State a great place to live, work, and play.”