Washington, D.C. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva last week selected Sylvia P. Johnson as Southern Arizona’s highlighted employee in honor of Public Service Recognition Week, when Americans honor the dedication of our public servants and celebrate excellence in government. The event is hosted each year by the Public Employees Roundtable, a non-partisan coalition committed to supporting public service in Washington, D.C., and around the country.

Sylvia began her career in the Tucson District Office as a Claims Development Clerk in 1985. She was promoted to service representative for the Nogales Branch Office in 1988 and to SSI claims representative in July 1995. In April 2003, she was selected as a management support specialist. Sylvia has been the District Manager for the Nogales Social Security office since April 2007.

Sylvia is now acting as the interim district manager for the South Tucson District while still managing the Nogales office. In December 2003 and August 2007, she was awarded the Regional Commissioner’s Citation for her exemplary work.

“We too easily forget that government employees of all kinds are doing harder jobs, working longer hours, and going with fewer thank-yous than many of their friends and neighbors. It’s a shame that some people have made serving the public a political issue, as though helping veterans and retirees is one step removed from tyranny. Sylvia has exemplified the best of public service for many years, and she’s earned this recognition and much more. I thank her once again for her dedication, her hard work, and her years of public service.”

Ms. Johnson was not immediately available when the decision was made last week. Rep. Grijalva’s office will offer her a certificate of thanks at a future date.