Rep. Serpa Receives 2013 Outstanding Public Servant Award

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry,Warwick) has been chosen as the recipient of the 2013 Outstanding Public Servant Award from the Rhode Island State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Every year, the council recognizes a public servant who demonstrates a commitment to legislation or public service consistent with its legislative priorities. The council noted that it selected Representative Serpa for the award because of her continued commitment to the business community, economic development, eliminating barriers to job creation and promoting workforce education and development.

“I am extremely grateful for this honor,” Representative Serpa said of the award. “Economic development affects all types of industries and human resources is no exception. The state is making great strides toward promoting workforce education and development, which sometimes goes unrecognized amid news of Rhode Island’s economic recovery. I hope I can continue to be part of a team of legislators who tackle economic obstacles with gumption and creative strategies.”

Past recipients of this award include Rep. Deborah Ruggiero (2011), President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed (2009), Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts (2007), Gov. Donald Carcieri (2006) and Rep. Thomas Winfield (2003). Each recipient must have sponsored a bill or legislative proposal to promote a positive workplace initiative. The award-winner must also demonstrate that he or she recognizes the value of human resource professionals and input from constituents in the field in order to qualify for the award.

The council is composed of more than 700 members who work in a variety of human resource positions in private businesses, nonprofits, education, health care and other areas. It will honor Representative Serpa at its annual Legislative and Employment Law Conference on April 11 at the Providence Marriott, 1 Orms St., Providence. The conference will include discussions between council members and lawmakers about bills pending in the General Assembly.