LANSING – John E. Nixon has been named Public Official of the Year by Governing magazine, citing his key role in Michigan?s turnaround.
Nixon serves as both the State Budget Director and Director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget. The award is given for outstanding individual accomplishment in government. Nixon will be honored at an awards banquet in Washington, DC on November 15.
Governing magazine has announced the awards each year since 1994, recognizing the positive impact of individuals who exemplify the ideals of public service. Hundreds of nominations are received each year from readers. GOVERNING staff consult with experts and scholars in the field, and also nominate outstanding individuals they encounter. Nominations are evaluated by a selection committee, where thorough and in-depth research is completed to select the annual winners. Among the qualities recognized are leadership, courage, innovation, creativity and good management.
?We are all very proud of the work that John has done to help get our budget into balance,? said Gov. Rick Snyder. ?He?s also done tremendous work in overseeing the administrative functions of state government as head of DTMB. We knew we made the right decision when we selected John for this position.?
In announcing the honor, Governing cited Nixon?s role in balancing the state budget while making strategic technology investments designed to make state government more efficient and effective. The selection committee recognized Nixon?s role in eliminating a perpetual $1.5 billion budget deficit, promoting high-impact technology projects, establishing ongoing strategic investments in technology and the state?s infrastructure, and reforming skyrocketing post-employee benefit costs that has reduced the state?s unfunded liabilities by more than $20 billion.
Earlier this month, Michigan earned one of only two ?A? grades awarded in the Center for Digital Government?s Digital States Survey. Governing noted that grade in announcing Nixon?s award, referencing the ?state?s combination of smart management and tech savvy will continue to make Michigan a force to be reckoned with over the next several years.?
?This is a great honor and I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of the talented team that Governor Snyder has assembled here in Michigan,? said Nixon. ?We have accomplished more than I could have imagined in the past 22 months, and the train is moving full speed ahead. The governor has tremendous vision and it?s been a privilege working for him.?
Nixon is a certified public accountant, having come to Michigan from Utah, where he served as director of planning and budget for Governors Jon Huntsman and Gary Herbert. As DTMB director, he heads an agency of nearly 2,700 employees providing a full range of services to Michigan?s citizens, businesses, state agencies, state employees and retirees. He oversees the state?s $49 billion annual budget, and he serves as the Value for Money Government group executive in Governor Snyder?s Cabinet.
Nixon was recently named the Outstanding CPA in Government by the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants for his outstanding service as a valued member of the accounting profession and his contribution to restoring the economic viability of the state. Earlier this year, he was named to Government Technology magazine?s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers list, recognized for cutting through the public sector?s barriers to innovation to reshape government operations for the better. In 2008, Utah Business Magazine named Nixon Chief Financial Officer of the Year for the public sector.
?This is a year I won?t soon forget,? added Nixon. ?I?m looking forward to receiving the award with my family in attendance. They have supported my career every step of the way and I couldn?t do this without my amazing wife and six wonderful children.?
