Awards: Leadership & Government
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Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to Arlington County by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. This is the 32nd consecutive year that the County has achieved this prestigious award.
Deputy County Attorney Tramblian Honored by Local Government Attorneys of Virginia
Arlington Deputy County Attorney Ara L. Tramblian was honored by the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc. (LGA) with the 2017 A. Robert Cherin Award for Outstanding Deputy or Assistant Local Government Attorney. Arlington County Attorney Stephen MacIsaac nominated Mr. Tramblian for the award, describing his as a “genteel but hard-nosed” litigator with a “ferocious work ethic.” Mr. Tramblian began his legal career with Arlington County in 1984 and will retire at the end of 2017.
2016 Open Government Award Winner
The Virginia Coalition for Open Government named Arlington County Government a winner for the creation of an online repository of records supplied in response to requests under Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act which launched in June 2016.
Recognized for “Smart Growth” Voting Innovations
Arlington received the national “Stars and Stripes Award” from the Election Center, which applauded the County’s efforts to identify new polling place locations in high-density projects. (Aug. 2015)
#3 Best Place to Live
Livability.com ranked Arlington the #3 best place to live in the nation (among small- to mid-sized cities). The site’s ranking criteria include education, health care, housing, economy, amenities. (Jan. 2015)
Barbara Donnellan Named Visionary Leader
Barbara Donnellan, Arlington County’s Chief Administrative Officer, received the 2014 Visionary Leadership Award , a prize that recognizes top government officials for their outstanding contributions to metropolitan Washington and their home jurisdictions. The award is sponsored by the Institute for Regional Excellence (IRE) at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG.) “Donnellan has been a tireless advocate for regional cooperation and collaboration on many fronts,” said Chuck Bean, COG’s executive director. “Many of the Region’s achievements have been realized because of Barbara’s experience and dedication.” (Oct. 2014)
Arlington Human Resources Department Awarded 2014 When Work Works Award
The award is given for the use of effective workplace strategies to increase business and employee success, and is part of the national When Work Works project administered by the Families and Work Institute (FWI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). (2014)
J. Walter Tejada Honored With Livable Communities Leadership Award
The Coalition for Smarter Growth recognized Arlington County Board Member J. Walter Tejada for his significant contribution to smart growth in the Washington region, and specifically for his efforts to advance the community’s vision for transforming Columbia Pike into a more transit-oriented corridor, while preserving diversity and affordable housing. While serving as chairman of the County Board, Tejada was instrumental in making the case for the streetcar and spearheaded innovative housing policy and funding strategies to preserve affordable housing in the Columbia Pike corridor as it develops. He also hosted a Streetcar Town Hall that drew hundreds of residents to an informative discussion of the County’s planned Columbia Pike streetcar. (May 2014)
Mary Hynes Wins COG’s Scull Award for Regional Leadership
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), has presented Arlington County Board Member Mary Hynes with the organization’s highest honor, the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award. COG cited Mrs. Hynes work as “Region Forward” Chair and on the Metro Board of Directors. The Scull Award is presented annually to a local, state or federal elected official for outstanding service to the metropolitan Washington region. (Dec. 2013)
Arlington Website Awarded Top Transparency Website in 2013
The Sunshine Review has again recognized Arlington County’s website as one of the most transparent government websites in the nation, with a score of A+ on the Transparency Checklist. (2013)
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Recognized
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has recognized Arlington’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) with its certificate of achievement for excellence in Financial Reporting. This award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. (Oct. 2012)
No. 1 in Cultural Diversity
The National League of Cities awarded Arlington its 2012 Cultural Diversity Award. Arlington won first place in the population category of 100,001-400,000 for its Multicultural Outreach Program, which spans all County departments. The program works with residents of all backgrounds, including those who are newly-arrived, to ensure that they have knowledge of, and access to, community services and educational programs. (March 2012)
Another A+ for Arlington
In its annual review of government websites, the Sunshine Review has again given Arlington County an A+ for transparency. Sunshine Review analysts use a 10-point transparency checklist to assign a grade based upon the proactive disclosure of financial data, contact information, lobbying activity and a number of other items. (Jan. 2012)
Leadership Development Recognized
The International Coach Federation (Metropolitan Washington chapter) awarded Arlington County Government its highest award — the 2011 Prism Award — in recognition of Arlington’s “cutting edge” leadership development programs, particularly the Mid-Level Manager Development Program. (Feb. 2012)