EEOC Employees Receive Presidential Rank Award

WASHINGTON- Two U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) employees were awarded the Presidential Rank Award by President Joe Biden in recognition of their exceptional leadership, accomplishments and service.

EEOC Chief Information Officer Bryan Burnett and EEOC Acting Director, Field Management Programs Rosa Viramontes were announced as the agency’s winners for 2021.

The Presidential Rank Awards Program is one of the most prestigious awards in the federal career civil service used to recognize a select group of career members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) for exceptional performance with a sustained record of exceptional professional, technical, and/or scientific achievement recognized on a national or international level. President Biden selected 230 winners from 37 federal agencies this year.

According to OPM Director Kiran Ajuha, the Presidential Rank Awards reflects this administration’s commitment to support the federal workforce and recognize federal employees who serve with distinction.

“The federal workforce is in the business of achieving the unachievable – from curing disease, to combatting climate change, to landing rovers on the surface of Mars,” said Ajuha. “I am pleased to be lifting up hard-working individuals who consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry, and a relentless commitment to public service.”

Both EEOC awardees were surprised and honored by the recognition.

“I am truly honored to be named a 2021 Presidential Rank Award Recipient,” said Burnett. “I have had the great fortune to work with amazing, mission-focused colleagues during my rewarding, and unexpected, career in the Federal service.”

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be recognized by the President of the United States,” said Viramontes. “I still get chills when I think about it. To say I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Presidential Rank Award is an understatement.”

The complete list of the Presidential Rank Awards may be found on OPM's website.

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information about the EEOC is available at https://www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.