Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas, chairman of the NGA, called the recipients "true leaders who have made significant contributions to their states and the nation."

Douglas thanked the award winners "for their service and for their willingness to use their time and talents for the enrichment of the state."

In nominating Gifford, Carcieri mentioned his work in developing the state employee wellness program and winning the first Well State Award, for maintaining some of the country's highest childhood immunization rates, and the nation's highest H1N1 flu vaccination rate, reaching nearly 36 percent of the population and 73 percent of the state's children.

"Dr. Gifford presents a results-oriented management style that has transformed the Department of Health," Carcieri said. "Virtually every citizen of our state has felt the impacts of his official actions."

In nominating Simmons, Carcieri said the executive director of the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown has worked to improve the conditions and outcomes of schooling in America, especially in urban communities and in schools serving disadvantaged children. In early 2008, Carcieri appointed Simmons to lead the Urban Education Task Force, which gathered information, developed best practices and began implementing them.

"It is through Warren's commitment to improving education for our urban children, and his sheer force of will, that the state has made progress in moving the task force recommendations forward," said Governor Carcieri, "His leadership and vision make him a very deserving recipient of this award."

In nominating WaterFire creator Evans, Carcieri recognized that the floating bonfires on downtown rivers have attracted more than 10 million visitors, an average of 40,000 per night, and generated more than $45 million in new spending each year, inspired the work of scores of artists, and brought numerous performance artists, visual arts, and musical entertainment to residents for free.

"Barnaby's impact on our arts community, the City of Providence, and the State of Rhode Island has been remarkable," Carcieri said. "With each lighting, WaterFire has brought the community together, exposed thousands of tourists to our beautiful state, expanded the appreciation and understanding of many new art forms, and provided a stage for talented local artists," he said.

Evans responded by saying the fires "symbolize the hopes and dreams of the many thousands who gather along the river. The firelight reflected in their faces shows the engagement and commitment of all our citizens to coming together to build a bright future for our State."

The other four nominees are from New Mexico, Georgia and Wisconsin.

They are:

State Officials
• Katherine B. Miller, cabinet secretary, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico

Private Citizens
• Joe Rogers and Bob Hatcher, co-chairs, Commission for a New Georgia.

Distinguished Service to the Arts
• Willie Ney, executive director and founder, Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives, University of Wisconsin-Madison.