Celebrating Excellence in Public Administration
Photo Credits: Rico Flores
On November 8, 2023, the Victoria and Vancouver Regional Groups of IPAC co-hosted the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal Award ceremony at Government House. The award was granted to Dr. Carmen Zabarauckas in recognition of her significant achievements and dedication to client-centred public service during her 25-year career.
Dr. Zabarauckas’ experiences range from front-line service in forensic psychology, to leading on policy and program change in the BC public service, research and post-secondary teaching in psychology and education, and administration in Corrections and Administrative Justice. She has served as Assistant Deputy Minister, Labour Relations, in the BC government and previously played a leading role in bringing about a cultural shift in transforming tribunal administration through the Tribunal Transformation Initiative. She also played a key role in the re-establishment of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner. She is recognized by academic journals, psychology associations, universities, the public sector, and the Governor General of Canada for her extraordinary commitment to innovation, integrity, and public service.
After the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, presented Dr. Zabarauckas with the silver medal, her former colleagues spoke about her character, leadership style and innovative approach to public policy and administration. In her own remarks, Dr. Zabarauckas reflected on the many talented colleagues, peers and mentors that contributed to her achievements, the importance of listening and learning from others, and on her family’s influence on her career. Her heartfelt speech highlighted her dedication to public service and developing public policy by working with (and listening to) vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Join us in celebrating Dr. Zabarauckas’ momentous accomplishments. British Columbia is a better province for the work she has done on behalf of all of us. Her work demonstrates what public service is truly about, developing policy and programs to improve peoples’ lives.
IPAC Victoria is grateful for the support of our sponsors for this event, MNP, the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia, and the Province of British Columbia.
Photo credit: Roma Rico Flores