Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Executive

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The Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Executive is an award granted by the United States Government to career members of the Senior Executive Service and, since 2003, to other categories of high-performing senior career employees for "sustained extraordinary accomplishment." Winners of this award are strong leaders, professionals, and scientists who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry, and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service.

Prior to 1999, Distinguished Executives received a lump-sum payment of $20,000. Congress raised the amount of the Distinguished Executive awards granted in 1999 to 35 percent of the executive's annual salary. All recipients also receive a framed certificate signed by the U.S. President.

No more than one percent of the career Senior Executive Service corps can receive the Distinguished Executive Rank Award in a given year. Of the U.S. Government's 1.8 million civilian employees, only 6,800 have risen to be career Senior Executives. Of that elite pool, only 54 were selected to be Distinguished Executives in 1998.