Richard S. Haynes, executive director of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, was recognized by President Bush at an afternoon ceremony at the White House. Haynes and 45 other Senior Executives Service members received the nation’s highest civil service award - the 2007 Presidential Distinguished Rank Award.
Less than one percent of the 7,550 members of the senior executive workforce who exemplify the ability to lead change and people; meet organizational goals; strategically manage human, financial, and information resources; and build coalitions are awarded this honor. Eligible executives are nominated by their agency heads, evaluated by citizen panels and designated by the president.
Haynes’ specific achievements were lauded by Senior Executives Association President Carol Bonosaro at an April 17th awards ceremony. Bonosaro noted that Haynes is responsible for one of the largest shipping companies in the world, operating more than 110 ships that support replenishment of U.S. forces worldwide. She continued by saying that MSC has supported hurricane Katrina relief efforts, the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami and the evacuation of 6,700 Americans from Lebanon.
Each award recipient received a framed certificate signed by the President, featuring a gold emblem, and a Rank Award pin.
Haynes assumed the Executive Director position in March 1997. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service by the Secretary of the Navy in 1985 to serve as the General Counsel of MSC. In 1991 and 2001, he was awarded the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive.