Alumni in Government Honored
Three alumni of Ohio State were presented the Alumni in Government Distinguished Service Award on Monday at the Ohio State Urban Arts Center. Honorees included: Jan Allen ('73); James Burley ('80); and Tom Walsh ('99).
The awards were presented as a part of the OSUAA's third annual Alumni in Government luncheon. The award recognizes individuals whose work as public employees has provided extraordinary benefit to Ohio citizens and whose service exemplifies Ohio State's motto: Education for citizenship.
Allen has been a leader in communications in both the public and private sectors. Early in her career, Allen served as Ohio governor Richard Celeste's deputy chief of staff. She then moved into private business and earned a reputation as one of central Ohio's most insightful communicators. She returned to public life as cabinet secretary for current Ohio governor Ted Strickland. Allen received the YWCA Women of Achievement award in 1994 and is a former chair of the Women's Fund of Central Ohio.
James Burley was a vital presence in the Ohio General Assembly. Burley served the Ohio Legislative Service Commission for more than 20 years, including as division chief for the Finance and Ways and Means Section. In 2002, he was appointed LSC staff director, and in that role he furthe red the mission of the General Assembly with dignity and integrity. Burley passed away in October 2007.
Walsh brings a strong background in tax policy and budgetary issues to his role as administrator of the legislative division for the Ohio Department of Taxation. The position, which he has held since January 2007, is the latest in a career that started when Walsh served as a page for the House Majority Caucus. He later moved to the Ohio Senate as a legislative aide, and in 2005 he became the deputy finance director for the Senate Majority Caucus.
Previous winners include: Matt Schuler and Veronica Sherman (2007); and Andy DiPalma and Brian Perera (2006).
The Alumni Association is a dues-supported organization of graduates, former students, and friends of the university with more than 125,000 members. For more than 125 years, the Alumni Association has been dedicated to connecting alumni, friends and students to enhance and strengthen the traditions and reputation of The Ohio State University.
