Audrey Mathews, County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board Member, has received the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)’s Elmer B. Staats Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Public Service.  The award ceremony was held on Tuesday, March 19, at the Hilton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, LA during ASPA’s Annual Conference.

The ASPA Lifetime Achievement award recognizes one person in the nation who has dedicated their life to public service and gone above and beyond in his or her service to the community.

Audrey was honored for her more than 35 years of work in local and state governments as a professor, budget director, planning commissioner and consultant.  Currently, her significant talents are benefiting San Bernardino County and California at large, where she is focusing much of her attention on client and workforce fiscal circumstances.

“This award is truly an honor,” states Mathews.  “I am grateful and humbled that I would even be considered in the same category of those who have been recognized for this award before me.  I have dedicated my life to helping those in need in the communities where I live, work, and play.  I never thought of my life’s dedication to the public service as something remarkable.  I’m just doing what I was born to do: mentor and provide a helping hand to those in need of my services.”

Audrey currently sits on the County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board, serving on the business resources, economic development, youth council, and finance committees as well as chair of the legislative committee.  With her help, the Workforce Investment Board continues to help numerous local businesses find and train employees by connecting them with local job seekers.  The legislative committee advocates and educates others about the implications of pending legislation on our community.

She also works with the County’s Planning Commission, for which she has served as Chair. In addition, Audrey serves as a legislative advisor to the National Association Workforce Boards and the California Workforce Association.  She has written workforce initiatives and testimony that was submitted to the Senate and House subcommittees on workforce issues.

“It is a joy to work with someone as dedicated and knowledgeable as Audrey,” says Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board.

Along with her committee work, Audrey is CEO of Mathews and Associates, an organizational behavior and diversity management consulting firm.  Audrey currently works as an adjunct Professor Emeriti at California State University, San Bernardino, where she has developed diversity management, economic development, and budget and finance curriculum for the Public Administration department and Park University in Kansas City, Missouri.  Furthermore, Audrey has authored books and articles in her focus areas and serves on several local boards.  She has also worked as a consultant for numerous companies, including accounting firms and airports, and served in several important administrative positions in the City Compton, Beverly Hills and the District of Columbia.

Audrey is a 2007 National Academy of Public Administration Fellow.  She received her Doctor of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and Masters of Public Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Development from California State University, Northridge.

“Her education and experience make her a leader in her field, but what really sets her apart is her heart.  The care she has for her community and its citizens shows through the passion and time she puts into all of her work.  It is no surprise that she is being honored with this lifetime achievement award,” Sandy Harmsen added.

About the American Society for Public Administration

The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is one of the oldest organizations in the United States dedicated to the professionalism of public service at all levels of government. It is the largest, most prominent professional association for public administration. It is dedicated to advancing the art, science, teaching and practice of public and non-profit administration. ASPA’s four core values are Accountability and Performance, Professionalism, Ethics and Social Equity.  For more information, visit www.aspanet.org.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County (WIB) is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors.  The WIB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources, which generate jobs and investment.

The WIB, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.  Employers and job seekers who are interested in the Workforce Investment Board programs may call: (800) 451-JOBS or visit www.csb-win.org.