Two feds win prestigious American University prize

American University's School of Public Affairs will honor two senior federal employees on Monday evening for their leadership at the Energy Department and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Kenneth E. Baker, principal assistant deputy administrator for the Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation at Energy Department, and Margaret A. Focarino, deputy commissioner for patents for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office are the recipients of the 2010 Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership.

Jones served in the federal government for four decades as chairman of the Civil Service Commission, deputy under secretary of state for administration and as a special assistant to the old Bureau of Budget director. Now in its 33rd year, the prize recognizes public servants who have demonstrated "extraordinary effectiveness" in organizational development and "a strong commitment to training and educating managers and executives," according to the university. Baker and Focarino will receive $2,500 prizes.

Robert Tobias, director of American University's Key Executive Program, will chair the evening's events at AU's Katzen Arts Center and Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams will deliver the evening's keynote address.

(Full disclosure: The Federal Eye is a proud American University School of Public Affairs alum.)