The award honors outstanding public stewards who have a personal and dedicated commitment to public service, as did the award's namesake. The recipients of this award have shown untiring participation and contribution toward a more effective government and have promoted innovations that will improve the future well-being of all Texans. Recipients are leaders who are able to inspire others who serve the public to rise above the norm.
Commissioner Hawkins joins previous recipients Billy Hamilton, deputy state comptroller; Texas State Representative Harvey Hilderbran; Texas State Senator Steve Ogden; Mike Sheridan, former executive director of the Texas Workforce Commission; James Hine, executive director of the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services; and Don Gilbert, former commissioner of Health and Human Services in receiving this prestigious award.
Hawkins currently heads the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and oversees the operations of 11 state agencies, composed of about 50,000 employees working with a total annual budget of about $17 billion.
Previously, Hawkins was assistant to President George W. Bush and secretary to the Cabinet. Before that he was the director of Gov. George W. Bush's Office of Budget and Planning. He also served as deputy director of the Texas Legislative Budget Board.
The 15th annual Government Technology Conference is being held at the Austin Convention Center January 26-30. GTC features a keynote presentation by Sun Microsystems' CEO Scott McNealy on Thursday, January 29 at 8:30 a.m.; and a free computer and technology expo, Wednesday, January 28-Friday, January 30.
