2009 Presidential Rank Award Winners
The United States Department of Labor is proud to announce the winners of the 2009 Presidential Rank Award. These individuals have demonstrated sustained superior performance that marks them as some of the highest ranking officials in federal service. Their contributions to the federal government have afforded them the honor of meritorious executive.
Cindy A. Coe, Regional Administrator — Atlanta, OSHA — Ms. Coe was appointed to the Senior Executive Service as OSHA’s Regional Administrator in 2000. For nine years, Ms. Coe has administered the Occupational Safety and Health Act in the eight-state Southeast region. She has direct oversight over enforcement programs, voluntary protection programs, targeted training grants, state plans and consultation monitoring. Since arriving in Atlanta, Ms. Coe has developed and effectively implemented creative and innovative strategies to reduce the number of workplace fatalities through enforcement, partnerships and outreach initiatives which have brought the region national recognition. Ms. Coe’s distinguished career has been marked by creativity and a commitment in making a difference, by promoting safety and health, not just in her region, but nationally.
John M. McWilliam, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations and Management, VETS — As the Agency’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. McWilliam oversees the operations, management and budget for the agency responsible for the smooth transition of active duty, National Guard and Reserve service members from the military to civilian employment, and for providing employment services to veterans. Mr. McWilliam also played a key role as an alternate team lead for the Department’s FEMA support team that ensures continuity of operations during man-made or natural disasters. His outstanding leadership and sustained accomplishments demonstrate his dedication to our nation’s veterans and his relentless commitment to public service.
Maureen H. Walsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget and Performance Planning, OASAM — Since Ms. Walsh’s appointment to DOL in 2006, the Department has posted record performance results, including record recoveries in back wages; the lowest workplace fatality, injury and illness rates ever; record protections of workers’ pension and benefit plans; and billions paid in benefits to harmed nuclear workers and their families. Ms. Walsh continues to provide leadership that delivers tangible results. She has successfully steered agency staff to new and more productive means of conducting business – using new instruments for budgeting and strategic planning to accomplish individual agency and Department-wide goals. Ms. Walsh’s tireless efforts to achieve distinction in the performance of her duties reflect the highest standards of public service.
Sandra S. Zeigler, Regional Director — Chicago, ESA — Ms. Zeigler serves as the Regional Director for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) in the office of Employment Standards Administration. OFCCP enforces laws that prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment based on race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability or covered veteran status. Since Ms. Zeigler’s appointment as the Regional Director, she has sustained and continues to display exemplary professional competence. She oversees a nationwide regional staff from 123 to 163 full time positions. Additionally, she manages a budget of over $11,000,000 annually. Ms. Zeigler continues to demonstrate excellent negotiation skills that result in millions of dollars for thousands of victims of discrimination.
