Theresa Parker and David Smith Win 2008 National Public Awards

The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the National Academy of Public Administration presented the 2008 National Public Service Awards, the premier awards for excellence in public service at all levels of government, at a ceremony in Dallas, Texas, on March 10, 2008, during ASPA's national conference. ASPA and the Academy established the National Public Service Awards in 1983 to honor individuals whose accomplishments are models of public service, inside and outside the work environment. The awards recognize individuals who exhibit the highest standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment over a sustained period of time and who are creative and skilled career managers.

The 2008 National Public Service Award winners are Theresa Parker, Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), and David Smith, County Administrator for Maricopa County, Arizona. Under her leadership as Executive Director, Parker transformed CalHFA-the state agency that finances below-market rate loans to create affordable rental housing and assists first-time home buyers-from a niche lender to a business that has increased its fund equity from approximately $520 million to $1.3 billion. In accepting her award, Parker noted that housing is more than an issue of subprime mortgates. "The child who has a stable place to call home can get started on homework and go to school the next day rested and ready to take on the challenges of a new day."

Carl Stenberg, University of NC and Chair of the NPSA Selection Committee; David Smith, city administrator, Maricopa County, AZ; Theresa Parker, Executive Director, CalHFA; Harvey White, national ASPA President.

Credit: Elaine L. Orr

Copyright: Elaine L. Orr