President recognizes hundreds of top-performing executives

More than 300 career federal executives have been selected as recipients of a prestigious presidential award recognizing stellar leadership and long-term accomplishments.

The 333 executives and senior professionals selected for the 2007 Presidential Rank Awards came from 31 different agencies. They will receive sizable bonuses in honor of their achievements.

"Recipients of this award are dedicated to delivering results, and their service is advancing President Bush's agenda for improving the management and performance of the federal government," said Linda Springer, director of the Office of Personnel Management, in a statement announcing the winners. The 50 senior officials in the elite category of Distinguished Executive will get awards worth 35 percent of their basic pay. This translates into bonuses of more than $39,000, since the minimum basic pay for Senior Executive Service employees at most agencies this year is $111,676.

The 283 winners of the Meritorious Executive awards will earn bonuses worth 20 percent of their basic pay, amounting to more than $22,000 for most recipients.

The Defense Department and military services had an especially strong showing, with 16 Distinguished Executives and 71 Meritorious Executives.

To win a Presidential Rank Award, employees must be nominated by the head of their agency, evaluated by groups of private citizens and approved by the president. Up to 1 percent of about 8,000 eligible employees can win the honor of Distinguished Executive, and up to 5 percent can earn a Meritorious Executive award.

Click here for a list of the Distinguished Executive winners and here for a list of the Meritorious Executive awardees.