Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks will be presented with the National Public Service Award, the highest public service award given for distinction in public service by the American Society for Public Administration and the National Public Academy of Public Administration.

Fairbanks is one of four individuals who will be recognized April 4 with the award during ASPA's national conference in Milwaukee, Wis.

“This is a fitting and deserving recognition for our city manager,” Mayor Phil Gordon said. “He's the consummate professional who takes great pride in sustaining and growing the tremendous amount of cooperation that exists between the mayor, City Council, city staff and the community.”

The other three honorees are Maria Gomez, assistant commissioner, Minnesota Department of Human Services; Elizabeth Hill, executive director, California Legislative Analyst's Office; and M. Peter McPherson, director, Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa.

Fairbanks, who was appointed city manager by the City Council in 1990, was recognized for his work in developing e-government, achieving an AAA excise tax revenue bond rating from Standard and Poors and his membership on local business and community boards.

Fairbanks joined the city in 1972 and has served as a management assistant, executive assistant to the city manager and assistant city manager. During that time, he helped develop citizen involvement and notification programs, police and fire service improvements and organizational streamlining and initiated major shelter construction efforts for the homeless.

In 2001, Fairbanks received the International City/County Management Association's Award of Excellence for his outstanding contribution to professional management.

A Phoenix native, he and his wife, Ruth, have five children.