January 27, 2009
STATE BAR ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2009 EXCELLENCE IN
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS
Recipients noted for integrity, commitment to
service and leadership
ALBANY—The New York State Bar
Association’s Committee on Attorneys in Public Service has awarded
Denise E. O’Donnell of Albany (Commissioner, New
York State Division of Criminal Justice Services) and Anthony J. Annucci
of Albany (Executive Deputy Commissioner, Department of Correctional
Services) with the 2009 Excellence in Public Service Awards. The
awards will be given at the
Association’s Annual Meeting at the Marriott Marquis
in Manhattantoday at a reception from
5:30-7:00 p.m.
To be considered for the recognition, individuals must
epitomize a dedication to a “higher calling” by not only
working in the public sector, but in demonstrating a commitment to
service, honor and integrity.
“We are pleased to present this year’s
awards to two of New York’s finest public service leaders. Both Denise
O’Donnell and Anthony Annucci represent the very best of the legal
profession through their integrity, commitment to service and
professionalism,” said Committee on Attorneys in Public Service
Chair Prof. Patricia E. Salkin of Albany(Director,
Government Law Center of Albany Law School). “I applaud their
continued excellence and exceptional efforts to lead the people
of New York.”
Denise E. O’Donnell was appointed Commissioner
of the Division of Criminal Justice Services by Governor Spitzer in
2007. In this role, O’Donnell operates a multi-function criminal
justice support agency with a variety of responsibilities such as the
operation of the DNA databank and the collection and analysis of
statewide crime data. O’Donnell also serves as Assistant Secretary
for Criminal Justice, advising Governor Patterson on key public safety
and criminal justice issues.
A graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Law,
O’Donnell began her career as a social worker before becoming a
lawyer. O’Donnell was appointed United States Attorney by
President Clinton 1997 and became the first woman to ever to hold the
position of top federal prosecutor in upstate New
York.
O’Donnell was inducted into the Western New York
Women’s Hall of Fame and received the Association’s Ruth G.
Schapiro Award in 2005.
Anthony J. Annucci was appointed Executive Deputy
Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services in 2008 after 24
years of service. He serves as the agency’s chief legal advisor
and has played an integral role in shaping correctional programs
in New Yorkby
drafting or contributing to legislative initiatives such as
Jenna’s Law, the Comprehensive Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Treatment Program and the Sentencing Reform Act of 1998.
In 2008, Annucci served as the agency’s lead
counsel on negotiating a settlement regarding the treatment of mentally
ill inmates that included several state agencies. The results of his
involvement have made New Yorkthe new national model for providing services to mentally ill
prisoners.
A graduate of Fordham University and Brooklyn Law School, Annucci is a key member of the NYS Commission on Sentencing
Reform and has provided proposals on new sentencing guidelines, changes
in Merit Time and Rockefeller Drug Law requirements and other critical
issues.
Past recipients include: Mark L. Davies, New York City
Conflicts of Interest Board; Barbara F. Smith, Lawyer Assistance Trust;
Murray M. Jaros, NYS Association of Towns; Joan A. Kehoe, NYS Department
of Agriculture & Markets; Hon. Judith S. Kaye, retired Chief Judge,
NYS Court of Appeals; David B. Klingaman (posthumous), NYS Court of
Claims; Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, 42nd Infantry Division; Hon.
Jonathan Lippman, Presiding Justice,
Appellate Division, First Department; Robert J. Freeman, NYS Commission
on Open Government; Walter E. Mugdan, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency; Jeffrey Friedlander, New York City Law Department; and Leonard
Koerner, New York City Law Department.
The 76,000-member New York State Bar Association is
the official statewide organization of lawyers in New
Yorkand the largest
voluntary state bar association in the nation. Founded in 1876, State Bar programs and activities have
continuously served the public and improved the justice system for more
than 130 years.
###
| 
News Center
