News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2008
Contact: Aileen Colorado, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: 804-662-7532
Email: Aileen.Colorado@drs.virginia.gov
Web: http://www.vadrs.org
Richmond, VA – The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) and the Virginia State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) announced today the recipients of the 2008 Roy J. Ward SRC Employee Leadership Recognition Award for outstanding service and contribution to the field of vocational rehabilitation (VR) and the disability community. The five awardees were recognized during the 2008 Virginia Transition Forum, held at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center March 17-19.
“This past year, our agency witnessed a record number of clients who exited the VR program successfully employed – thanks in part to the leadership and dedication demonstrated by this group of men and women,” said DRS Commissioner Jim Rothrock. “Their commitment to public service and tireless effort to improve the lives Virginians with disabilities are to be commended.”
The SRC Employee Leadership Recognition Award honors select VR staff who have distinguished themselves not only by the quality of service they provide to VR clients, but through their contributions at the national, state, or local level to advance the employment and independence of people with disabilities. Each of the recipients actively serve on advisory boards and organizations, such as the Virginia Rehabilitation Association and the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council; and provide expertise and leadership in community or agency-based initiatives that enhance the delivery of VR services and develop future leaders of VR.
The award is named after Roy J. Ward, a long-time leader in the disability community, former chair of the DRS Board, and current member of the SRC.
The recipients of the 2008 Roy J. Ward Employee Leadership Recognition Award consist of:
- Susan Green, of Midlothian, Virginia, training manager, DRS Central Office
- Larry Overbay, of Abingdon, Virginia, field regional director, DRS Abingdon Office
- Mark Fletcher, lead counselor, DRS Manassas Office
- Karen Baugh, of Waldorf, MD, vocational rehabilitation counselor, DRS Alexandria Office
- Gwendolyn Davis, of Suitland, MD, placement counselor, DRS Alexandria Office
The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) is the state agency that provides and advocates for the highest quality of services to help persons with disabilities maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society. Through its 4 regional and 36 field offices, DRS provides a comprehensive array of services such as vocational counseling, career exploration, training, assistive technology, and other specialty programs that meet individual needs, interests and abilities. For more information about DRS, call 1-800-552-5019 (v), 1-800-464-9950 (TTY) or visit www.vadrs.org
