L. Brooks Patterson Earns National Recognition by Governing Magazine

Governing Magazine named Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson among its 2013 Public Officials of the Year. 

In a press release Thursday, Governing Magazine said the “program recognizes leaders from state, city and county government who exemplify the ideals of public service. … Among the qualities recognized are leadership, courage, innovation, creativity and good management.”

Patterson shared credit for this coveted recognition with his administration.

“I have an outstanding team who truly are the best in government,” Patterson said. “I get to take the bows, but they do the heavy lifting." 

Governing Magazine cited Patterson’s innovation in attracting sustainable, high-paying jobs in the knowledge-based economy through initiatives such as Automation Alley, Emerging Sectors and Oakland County, Michigan’s Medical Main Street and the county’s three-year budgeting practices as the basis for the award.

“We’re always happy to highlight government officials who are doing great work,” Governing Publisher Erin Waters said in the press release.

Patterson will be profiled in the December issue of Governing. He also will be honored at a dinner at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 3, 2014.

Joining Patterson as the 2013 Public Officials of the Year are: 

• Anthony G. Brown, Lieutenant Governor, State of Maryland 
• José Cisneros, Treasurer, City & County of San Francisco, CA 
• Karen B. DeSalvo, Health Commissioner, City of New Orleans, LA
• Gregory E. Fischer, Mayor, City of Louisville, KY
• William James Howell, Speaker, House of Representatives, Commonwealth of Virginia
• John Kitzhaber, Governor, State of Oregon
• Kathy Nesbitt, Executive Director, Department of Personnel and Administration, State of Colorado
• Emily Rahimi, Social Media Manager, New York City Fire Department.