Excellence in County Government
The Excellence in County Government Awards program honors county personnel who have shown excellence in their service to county government. Give someone in your county the recognition they deserve! CLICK HERE to download the 2010 application form.
2009 EICG Winners
APPOINTED OFFICIAL
Larry Osborn
Richland County Supervisor of Tax & Property
Larry Osborn has served Richland County for 21 years, providing fair and consistent valuations and becoming an expert in agricultural land valuations. He has authored a book on ag land valuation using the detailed soils method, as well as a book on personal finances. Larry has been a leader in the assessing profession in the state, giving presentations and working directly with many other counties and cities. He served as President of the ND Association of Assessing Officers and chair of the Education Committee for the North Central Regional Association of Assessing Officers.
ELECTED OFFICIAL
Dorothy Robinson
Pembina County Auditor/Treasurer
Dorothy Robinson started working for Pembina County in 1968, becoming Deputy Auditor in 1985, Auditor in 1991, and acquiring the additional duties of Treasurer and Superintendent of Schools Designee in 2002. In 2005, an extraordinary act of vandalism severely damaged the Pembina County Courthouse, and Dorothy not only dealt with the emergency and recovery, but also seamlessly maintained continuity of services to the citizens of her county. She served as President of the ND County Auditors Association in 2002-2003, when she also updated the ND County Auditor History Book. She is considered a “go-to” person by state officials and other county officials alike, both due to her extensive and detailed technical knowledge and her helpful, enthusiastic attitude.
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Scott Wagner
Cass County Commissioner
Scott Wagner served as President of the ND County Commissioners Association in 2007 and chaired their legislative committee that year. As president, he was respected for his ability to understand the needs of small- and large-population counties alike, recognizing their differences as well as their common interests, and always working for their greater good. Scott currently sits on the National Association of Counties Community and Economic Development Steering Committee and he is Vice Chairman of the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund Board of Directors. Wagner was elected to the Cass County Board of Commissioners in 2000, and served as board chairman in 2003 and 2007.
COUNTY OFFICIALS HALL OF HONOR
Carol Kessler
Retired Mercer County Treasurer
Carol Kessler served Mercer County as Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer for 35 years. She served in leadership roles in the ND County Treasurers Association, including President from 1994-1996, and developed many positive relationships throughout the state, becoming an ambassador for county treasurers and all North Dakota county officials. She also organized the county’s first recognition of County Government Week and remained the driving force for that celebration for many years. Reaching beyond county government, Carol serves on countless community organizations promoting literacy, music and culture.
DEDICATED PARTNER
This award honors individuals outside of county government who have contributed to the good of counties.
Gene Griffin
Director
Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
Jon Mielke
Associate Research Fellow
Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
The Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) is an independent center at NDSU whose mission is to educate people, conduct research, and provide outreach related to transportation.
Gene Griffin and Jon Mielke have built an impeccable reputation for UGPTI by maintaining the highest standards of research and reporting. Their scientific and social research was an invaluable resource for county, city and township road officials in the effort to convince the public and the legislature of the need for a serious investment in our state’s road system. Without ever compromising the integrity of their work, Gene and Jon contributed the hard facts without which local officials might never have succeeded in taking the first steps toward a brighter future for North Dakota’s infrastructure.
