ODNR DIRECTOR SAM SPECK IS HONORED BY NATION’S GOVERNORS
WITH AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO STATE GOVERNMENT
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Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Sam Speck receives the Distinguished Service Award from the National Governors Association at the association's 96th annual meeting in Seattle. From left: Idaho Governor and NGA Chair Dirk Kempthorne; Sam Speck; and Ohio Governor Bob Taft. |
SEATTLE, WA July 20: The nation’s governors have presented their Distinguished Service Award to Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Sam Speck, former president of Muskingum College and a former state representative and state senator from southeast Ohio.
Speck received the Distinguished Service Award at ceremonies during the National Governors Association’s (NGA) 96th annual meeting here. He had been nominated for the award by Governor Bob Taft.
Assisting in the award presentation, Taft said, “Sam Speck has contributed in countless ways to the quality and vitality of life in Ohio and the Great Lakes region as a farsighted public administrator, legislator, conservationist, and educator." Two other public officials receiving the award are from Kansas and Virginia.
Describing accomplishments that had earned the award for Speck, the NGA cited his leadership during service as a state representative and state senator from southeast Ohio, an associate director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, president of Muskingum College and, since 1999, director of ODNR. Also cited was his work as current chair of the Great Lakes Commission and his leadership of the Water Management Work Group of the Council of Great Lakes Governors.
Annually, NGA presents six awards in two categories public officials and private citizens for distinguished service to state government. Two additional awards are given for distinguished service to the arts. These awards allow governors to bring national recognition to their states' most valuable civil servants and private citizens.