The George W. Romney Institute of Public Management at Brigham Young University's Marriott School named Byron D. Jorgenson its 1999 Administrator of the Year at a banquet held March 19.
Jorgenson has been the chief administrative officer (CAO) of Sandy City, Utah, since May 1986. He oversees the management of all departments within the city. Sandy City has changed dramatically since Jorgenson was appointed CAO. The city has grown from 54,000 to 101,000 in population, the city's business community has thrived and a new city hall has been built.
Following the award presentation, Jorgenson counseled the school's graduate students to place a high value on honesty and integrity when working in the public sector.
"I have great hope for the future public administrators who will graduate from this program," said Jorgenson. "We don't need to live in a dog-eat-dog world. We need to trust each other and reach out to help other people."
Dr. Larry Walters, director of the Marriott School's Romney Institute, who presented the award, pointed out that Jorgenson is an excellent role-model for public administration students.
"Byron Jorgenson has personal and professional qualities which are recognized and honored by peers and which we expect of our graduates," said Walters. "He has made a tremendous contribution to the community of people who are committed to public service."
In addition to his responsibilities as CAO of Sandy, Jorgenson has served as president and a member of the board of directors of the Utah City Manager's Association, as an ex officio member of the board of directors of the Utah League of Cities and Towns and as president of the Utah chapter of the Certified Internal Auditors Association.
The Administrator of the Year Award is given annually to an outstanding man or woman who has achieved distinction after many years of management in the public sector. Past recipients include Carolyn B. Lewis, president of the CBL Group, Manuel F. Acosta, senior foreign service officer, U.S. Department of State; and George W. Romney, former governor of Michigan.
Writer: Quinn Warnick