2005 LESN Recognition Award Winner

 The Legislative Education Staff Network (LESN) recognizes David Summers for excellence in service to the Florida Legislature and to the Legislative Education Staff Network.  LESN is honored to present David with the 2005 LESN Recognition Award.

David Summers has served the Florida Legislature for 16 years. As Chief Legislative Analyst with the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), David is involved in all aspects of education projects, including managing multiple project teams and working closely with legislators and staff to define project objectives and implement policy recommendations for myriad of issues. These include early education and child care, education reform and accountability, school improvement planning, charter school accountability and performance and excess hours taken by students attending the state's public universities. David was also instrumental in developing Florida's Best Financial Management Practices Review program, which examines ways in which local school districts can improve their efficiency and effectiveness and save public funds. This program has received several national awards and has served as a model for similar evaluations in other states.

David is actively involved with NCSL and the Education Commission of the States (ECS) having served as LESN Co-Chair from 2001-2003 and Immediate Past Chair the following year. In this capacity, David planned several conference sessions, presided over LESN meetings, made presentations at national conferences and moderated numerous NCSL education sessions. In addition, David served as Staff Chair of the NCSL Education Standing Committee from 2001-2003. David continues to share his knowledge and expertise with education staff throughout the country via the LESN listserv and other means both by responding to inquiries and by posting useful information. David has contributed several items to the LESN newsletter and regularly participates in LESN activities as a presenter, facilitator or coordinator. David is a graduate of the Legislative Staff Management Institute and is a member of the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society (NLPES).

David is well known in Florida legislative circles for his thoroughness and high quality of work. Gary R. VanLandingham, Director of Florida Legislature's Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, states it best:

"Mr. Summers represents the best qualities in a legislative staff person. He is an expert in his field, and yet continually strives to upgrade his knowledge and skills. He exhibits a high degree of professionalism, competence, and integrity in service to the Florida Legislature and to the public and has deservedly earned respect and admiration of both staffers and legislators alike. In my opinion, he is the perfect candidate to receive this prestigious award."

Thank you, David, for your years of service to the Florida Legislature and to the Legislative Education Staff Network!

 Legislative Education Staff Network