Dr. Patrick C. McCaskey, class of 1975, executive associate for laboratory services in the Office of Public Health Science at the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, received a 2004 Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executive, the nation’s highest civil service award, at a recent ceremony and reception held at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Each year, the president honors members of the Senior Executive Service for outstanding leadership, accomplishments, and service. This year, President Bush conferred the rank of Distinguished Executive on 55 of the 6,000 members of the service.
Dr. McCaskey was recognized for his exemplary performance and inspired leadership and for his stellar accomplishments as a national leader in the effort to enhance laboratory services in support of public health and food security. His pioneering leadership has enabled the Food Safety and Inspection Service to enhance the capacity, capabilities, and credibility of its laboratories. As a result of Dr. McCaskey’s efforts, the American food supply has greater protection from food-borne agents and from intentional acts of terror.