Romney Institute Awards Alumnus of the Year

PROVO, Utah – Nov 22, 2016 – The Brigham Young University Romney Institute of Public Management awarded Steve Thacker, city manager of Centerville, Utah, the 2016 N. Dale Wright Alumnus of the Year for his legacy of exceptional management in government and his commitment to the Romney Institute over the course of more than thirty years.

“Steve has been an extraordinary mentor,” says Jeffery Thompson, director of the Romney Institute. “He is truly a giver and we’ve been blessed to know him over the years.”

After earning the Outstanding MPA Graduate award when he completed the BYU MPA program in 1978, Thacker has held various positions including city administrator of Canon City, Colorado; town manager of Snowflake, Arizona; and performance auditor in the State of Arizona Auditor General’s office. 

“In addition to being an outstanding manager, Steve is also being recognized for his desire and willingness to give back to the BYU MPA program,” says Rex Facer, associate professor of finance and public management and cochair of the awards committee. “He is deeply committed to the success of the program. Every time we have asked for his help, Steve has served willingly, with grace, and with gusto.”

At a luncheon held in his honor, Thacker shared his vision of successful public service and the qualities he believes impact in the governance of organizations.

“My advice to you today is simple—pray for and nurture a charitable heart,” Thacker said. “Be slow to judge, quick to forgive, and exercise patience when provoked. Do not be easily offended, avoid arrogance, and seek to truly understand another’s point of view.”

Thacker acknowledged the Romney Institute and his fellow associates in public service after accepting the award.

“I’m overwhelmed,” says Thacker. “It’s truly an honor and I appreciate it. I know of many of my colleagues that deserve it as well, so hopefully I have in some way represented them and the difficult times they deal with.”

The Romney Institute of Public Management, part of the Marriott School’s Master of Public Administration program, was named in 1998 for three-term Michigan Governor George W. Romney. A part of the Brigham Young University’s Marriott School, the Romney Institute offers a master’s degree in public administration through both pre-service and executive programs. The Romney Institute has a long tradition of preparing young people for careers in public service and is dedicated to educating men and women of faith, character and professional ability who will become outstanding managers and leaders in public and not-for-profit institutions. Brigham Young University is the largest privately owned, church-sponsored university in the United States.