TDOS and TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely Named Administrator of the Year

May 5, 2006

NASHVILLE, Tenn., --- The American Society for Public Administration, Tennessee Chapter, and the Institute of Government at Tennessee State University honored Gerald Nicely, Commissioner of Transportation, at a luncheon recently for his work as a public administrator.

The organization named Nicely "ASPA Administrator of the Year." Nicely assumed his post as Commissioner of Transportation in January, 2003.  He has the distinction of serving simultaneously in two state cabinet posts with his appointment by Governor Phil Bredesen in December 2005 to oversee the restructuring of the Tennessee Department of Safety.  Nicely also served as Executive Director of Nashville's Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency from 1979-2002.

"Jerry Nicely is a strong leader and manager, and someone I count on greatly in my administration," said Governor Phil Bredesen. "He makes strong decisions based on the right reasons, and continues to have a great track record of success in taking difficult situations and turning them into opportunities. We are all fortunate for having such a committed public servant in the state of Tennessee."

Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated since 1985, is a time set aside to honor the men and women who serve America as Federal, state and local government employees, according to Diane Wilde, president of the Tennessee chapter of ASPA.  "During this time public employees use the week to educate citizens about the many ways in which government assists the people and how government services make life better for us all," she said.

"ASPA Administrator of the Year Award" goes to an individual who is bringing positive attention to the profession of public administration and to government, and who deserves the recognition of his/her colleagues and associates for outstanding achievement during a specific year.

"Public Administrators don't just do biology, and we don't just do accounting, and we don't just do management," said Wilde, as she made the presentation to Commissioner Nicely.  "Public Administrators do public service.  And Commissioner Gerald Nicely has demonstrated the character and ability to accomplish difficult tasks in public service with integrity and public passion.  He has been recognized by the Governor as an individual of outstanding abilities and character.  He reflects the many positive characteristics which ASPA and the Institute of Government hope that others working in government will emulate."  The award was officially presented April 28, 2006.

Since 1939, the American Society for Public Administration has been the nation's most respected society representing all forums in the public service arena.  Its members are advocates for greater effectiveness in government, agents of goodwill and professionalism, publishers of democratic journalism, purveyors of progressive theory and practice and providers of global citizenship. The Society believes that by embracing new ideas, addressing key public service issues, and promoting change at both the local and international levels, public administrators can enhance the quality of lives worldwide.  The membership of the Tennessee Chapter of ASPA includes individuals working in local, state, and federal agencies, in nonprofit organizations and as scholars throughout middle Tennessee.  The Tennessee Chapter honors a public administrator each year.