Former GSA commissioner wins public service award

The American Council for Technology has presented its most prestigious honor, the John J. Franke Award for public service, to Jim Williams.  Williams recently retired as commissioner of the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition following three decades of service to the federal government.

The Franke Award recognizes extraordinary long-term contributions to federal service and, in particular, those who have demonstrated continuing commitment to public service and a devotion to developing government employees.

Williams has "had a remarkable career, taking on some of the toughest challenges in government and succeeding," said Prashant Gaur, current president of the non-profit educational organization.

Prior to his last assignment, Williams was acting administrator for GSA, responsible for nearly 12,000 employees and more than one-fourth of the government's total procurement budget. Williams also successfully led the development of the U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator Technology program as its director at the Homeland Security Department. He also was deputy associate commissioner for program management, deputy assistant commissioner and, later, director of procurement at the IRS.

Williams was joined by on stage during the recogition ceremony by former Franke winners Sandy Bates, Karen Evans, John Johnson and Ira Hobbs.

The Franke Award honors the memory of John J. Franke, a former senior government official who was known for his commitment to public service, his belief in the goodness and value of all people, and his support of partnerships and collaboration.  Franke was an assistant secretary for Management in the Department of Agriculture during the Reagan Administration, where he helped establish the National Finance Center.