Lonice Barrett Receives National Recognition for Distinguished Service to State Government

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

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Lonice Barrett Receives National Recognition for Distinguished Service to State Government

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Lonice Barrett is receiving national recognition from the National Governor’s Association (NGA) for his 35 years of service to the state of Georgia. Barrett, nominated by Governor Perdue, is one of three recipients nationwide in the state official category of NGA’s Distinguished Service to State Government Award.

“Lonice is a thoughtful and humble public servant,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “His quiet wisdom, temperament and patience combined with a strong vision for Georgia greatly inspires those around him. The state of Georgia is grateful for his tireless service toward the betterment of this state.”

From 1995 to 2004 Barrett served as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, capping a 32 year career with the department. In 2004 Governor Perdue appointed him director of implementation to implement the recommendations of the Governor’s Commission for a New Georgia.

The award presentation will be made at the NGA annual meeting in Charleston, SC, August 4-7, 2006. Text of a commendation for Lonice Barrett, signed by Governor Perdue, is provided below:

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA

A COMMENDATION

WHEREAS: Each year the National Governors Association recognizes three individuals as recipients of the Award for Distinguished Service to State Government. This year, Lonice C. Barrett has been honored with the award for his 35 years of outstanding service to the State of Georgia; and

WHEREAS: From 1995 to 2004, Mr. Barrett led the Department of Natural Resources as Commissioner, capping an exemplary 32 year career with the department. Since 2004, Mr. Barrett has been charged with implementing the recommendations of Governor Sonny Perdue’s Commission for a New Georgia; and

WHEREAS: His leadership in state government has been marked by vast improvements in innovation, stewardship, productivity and service delivery. Over his 35 years, Mr. Barrett has developed a reputation as a thoughtful and humble public servant, always devoting careful analysis to the critical issues at hand; and

WHEREAS: Mr. Barrett’s genuine affection for Georgia’s citizens and resources has translated into unmatched leadership. His quiet wisdom, temperament and patience combined with a strong vision for a better Georgia has greatly inspired those around him; and

WHEREAS: Mr. Barrett’s considerable talents and ethical and moral integrity have infinitely contributed to the vitality and creativity of all the administrations under which he has served; and

WHEREAS: The State of Georgia is grateful to Mr. Barrett for his tireless service toward the betterment of this state. That he is past retirement eligibility only serves to further illustrate his dedication. This NGA Distinguished Service Award is fitting for such a model Georgian; now

THEREFORE: I, SONNY PERDUE, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby commend

LONICE C. BARRETT.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 21st day of June, 2006.

(Signed: Sonny Perdue)

Governor

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