For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON – Today, the White House Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management announced the 2015 Presidential Rank Award recipients, recognizing and celebrating some of the federal government’s top career executives and senior professionals for consistently demonstrating strength, integrity, and commitment to public service. The Presidential Rank Award is bestowed each year by the President upon a small group of career employees and is the nation’s highest civil service award.
“I am very proud of these outstanding men and women and am grateful for their dedication to the DHS mission,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh C. Johnson. “These demonstrated leaders inspire their colleagues and bring great passion and innovation to public service in support of homeland security.”
This prestigious honor is divided into two categories: Distinguished rank for leaders who achieve sustained extraordinary results, and Meritorious rank for leaders with sustained accomplishments. Nine outstanding employees from across the Department were among this year’s recipients. They include:
Distinguished Rank Award:
- Thomas D. Homan, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Kevin K. McAleenan, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Connie L. Patrick, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
Meritorious Rank Award:
- Vernon T. Foret, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Robert L. Harris, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- John C. Havranek, Office of the General Counsel
- Joseph D. Moore, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Gary C. Rasicot, U.S. Coast Guard
- Joanna Ruppel, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Presidential Rank Award winners are chosen through a rigorous selection process and are nominated by their agency head, evaluated by boards comprised of private citizens, and approved by the President.
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