Leadership Award: Clarence Anthony, Executive Director of the National League of Cities
Before his appointment to Executive Director of the National League of Cities, Mr. Anthony was a proactive, innovative leader and supporter of the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program. A former Mayor of South Bay, Florida, Mr. Anthony’s communication skills and ability to convey a message to a variety of audiences allowed him to create a sense of community within the city.
“Clarence has always been a strong leader in his community and now with the National League of Cities,” said Philip E. Riley, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Utility Service Partners, Inc. “After working closely with Mr. Anthony for a number of years, this award embodies everything he has worked for as a city official and is a well-deserved honor.”
Leadership Award: Marie Lopez Rogers, Mayor of Avondale, Arizona
As a staunch advocate of the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program, Mayor Rogers has continued to foster relationships with officials around the nation through the National League of Cities.
“Mayor Rodgers was selected as award recipient because of her outstanding commitment to leadership as President of the National League of Cities as well as a champion of community support programs,” said Brad Carmichael, Vice President of Business Development for Utility Service Partners, Inc.
Innovation Award: City of Atlanta, Georgia
The City of Atlanta, Georgia was selected for the USP Innovation Award for their dedication to improving the quality of life for Atlanta residents through innovative, non-tax revenue programs that can be directly utilized for the benefit of city residents. With the support of the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program, the City of Atlanta is able to help fund the Care and Conserve Fund Program, which provides sewer and water bill payment assistance to low-income families that are experiencing hardships.
“The City of Atlanta has been an exemplary USP partner,” said Mr. Riley. “Their entire staff is dedicated to improving the lives of Atlanta residents with programs like the Care and Conserve Fund and addressing the issues of aging infrastructure and environmental conservation.”