Sacramento City Manager John Shirey has been selected to receive the 2014 National Public Service Award for his outstanding and lasting contributions to public service. The American Society for Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration will present John Shirey with this honor at their annual conference in Washington DC on March 17.
This prestigious, national award is given to a select few recipients each year. Honorees exhibit the highest standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment. Past recipients include Paul Volcker, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, and Donna Shalala, the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Clinton administration.
Shirey has dedicated most of his 40 years in public service to local government. As City Manager for Sacramento since 2011, Shirey has focused on making Sacramento the best managed city in California. His efforts include stabilizing the city’s finances, expanding its economic opportunities, and improving public safety. He has emphasized increased use of technology and encouraged innovation among City employees.
Prior to his appointment as Sacramento’s City Manager, Shirey was executive director of the California Redevelopment Association for nine years. He also served as City Manager for the City of Cincinnati, Assistant City Manager for the City of Long Beach, and Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for Los Angeles County.
Shirey is a well-known advocate for developing other leaders and advancing intergovernmental policies and practices. His work has had a profoundly constructive influence on the communities he has served.
