Distinguished execs honored at banquet

The 58 recipients of the prestigious Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Executive for 1999 gathered Thursday evening at the State Department for a banquet in their honor.

The distinguished executives' achievements range from leading the team that developed the Global Positioning System to developing a watershed protection agreement that ensures safe drinking water in New York City to directing a fraud investigation of hospitals that led to a $370 million settlement.

Energy Secretary Bill Richardson delivered an address at the fete, which was held in the ballroom on the eighth floor of the State Department. The Senior Executives Association sponsored the dinner.

The Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Executive carries with it a cash award worth 35 percent of an executive's salary. The award is the top honor for members of the career Senior Executive Service.

The Senior Executives Association estimates that the efforts of the 1999 recipients have saved the government more than $34 billion.

For a complete list of 1999 Presidential Rank Award winners, click here.