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The 2009 NASWA President's Award goes to Cheryl Atkinson, who recently retired as Administrator of the Office of Workforce Security, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. The Award recognizes not only her recent distinguished career leading the federal government's role in the unemployment insurance system, but also her role as unemployment insurance director for NASWA, then called ICESA, and her role as an unemployment insurance manager in the District of Columbia.

The following is a brief, true story about a Sal ute to remarkable adoption by an extraordinary person. There was a woman who had a cat that would spend time outside. One day a young woman moved across the street, and the cat was never the same. A male that knows a good woman when he sees one, the cat – named Bo – started making trips to the new neighbor's home. At first, Bo would visit for short periods of time; however, soon Bo wouldn't go back home. He just couldn't live without her. Bo's owner saw the affection he had for the new neighbor and tried her best to keep him home. But, Bo wouldn't have it. Soon Bo's owner accepted she had lost him to "the other woman". Before long Bo adopted his new neighbor and moved in with her. Bo was thrilled to learn his former female companion insisted on continuing to care for his medical needs, taking him to the vet for routine visits. Bo lived the equivalent of 19 wonderful years before passing away not too long ago. No doubt the last thought on his mind was that of the woman he adopted - Cheryl Atkinson.

We can relate to Bo's feelings for Cheryl because NASWA too has enjoyed her company; however, it is with happiness for Cheryl and sadness for the public workforce system we celebrate her retirement. For nearly ten years Cheryl served as Administrator of the Office of Workforce Security in the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration with responsibility for federal oversight of the federal-state unemployment insurance program.

Before joining the U.S. Department of Labor, Ms. Atkinson served for 19 years as Unemployment Insurance Director for the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA)– our organization of state officials responsible for state administration of unemployment compensation laws, public employment offices and, in most states, federal job training programs.

Before NASWA, Cheryl served as a program and budget analyst for U.S. DOL's Unemployment Insurance Service and as a Management Analyst and local office manager with the District of Columbia Unemployment Compensation Board - affectionately called the "DUCK Board".

NASWA congratulates Cheryl Atkinson on an outstanding career and thanks her for all she has done for NASWA and state workforce agencies. NASWA is pleased to present Cheryl Atkinson with the President's Award for 2009.

[Download the 2009 Salute to Leadership Awards Booklet ]