Washington, D.C. - During his keynote speech Leadership Is No Accident: Improving the Way the Federal Government Serves America at the 2^nd Annual Government Computer News Information Technology Awards ceremony, U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Dan G. Blair expressed appreciation to the award winners for the important work they do to "protect and serve America."

"Leadership is key to improving government management and performance and producing results for the American taxpayers, and you are providing that leadership in the form of ideas, ingenuity, and technical innovation" said Blair. "You have left a record of excellence in your agencies by providing leadership and inspiration to those around you."

Blair stressed that "today's" Information Technology (IT) leaders often have just minutes or even seconds to make critical decisions, and in the current threat environment, it is crucial they have timely access to the information they need to make those decisions.

"Whether tracking potential biological attacks, intercepting satellite communications traffic, or ensuring the safety and security of our transportation infrastructure, our reliance on Information Technology could never be overstated," said Blair. "The evolution of the systems that deliver our information is another great story in American history, and one that you are very much a part of."

The award winners included:

Tony Cicco, General Accounting Office

Colonel David Coker, Army

Walton Fletcher, Marine Corps

Mike Frazer, County of Los Angeles

Mary Stone Holland, Department of State

Glen Johnson, Department of State

Patrick McCreary, Department of Justice

Chris Niedermayer, Department of Agriculture

Colonel Jill Phillips, Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Linda Travers, Environmental Protection Agency

In closing, Blair again thanked the award recipients by saying, "Each of you has been described as unsung heroes of government IT management - working your way through the system and toiling behind the scenes.  Today we honor your performance and results, and I want to once again congratulate you on your splendid achievements. Each challenge you have faced, you have seen as an opportunity...In my mind, there can be no finer calling than to drive change and results for our Nation - and you are doing just that."