Prince George’s County Department of Family Services Associate Director Jacqueline Brooks Rhone wins 2016 Gladys Noon Spellman Public Service Award

For immediate release:
3/18/2016 4:40:00 PM

For more information, contact:
Christy A. Lipscomb Press Information Officer Office of the County Executive (240) 508-1989

Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation Associate Director Gwendolyn Clerkely receives 2nd Annual “WInG” Award and Prince George’s County Public Schools student Anthony Thornton selected as Gladys Noon Spellman Scholarship Award Recipient

Upper Marlboro, MD –  On Wednesday, March 16, 2016, during the 31st Annual Prince George’s County Women’s History Month Luncheon, Prince George’s County Department of Family Services Associate Director Jacqueline “Jackie” Rhone won the highly coveted and prestigious 2016 Gladys Noon Spellman Public Service Award.  Suitland High School student Anthony Thornton received a $2,000 scholarship as the 2016 Gladys Noon Spellman Scholarship Award Recipient.   Both the award and scholarship are presented in honor of Gladys Noon Spellman, who was a Prince George’s County educator, County Council member and served in the United States Congress for three terms beginning in 1974.  Additionally, Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation Associate Director Gwendolyn Clerkley was selected as the recipient of County Executive Baker’s 2nd Annual Women In Government “WInG” Award given to a female Prince George’s County government employee, who is innovative and informative; inspirational and influential.  To watch video of this luncheon, please click here.  To access photos from the luncheon, please click here. 

2016 Spellman Award recipient Jackie Rhone has served in a myriad of roles in County government primarily ensuring that the interests of the Prince George’s community are met.  Her impressive career includes service as a supervisor in the County’s Health Department, Fiscal Manager in the Office of the Sheriff, Chief Administrative Officer for the State’s Attorney’s Office, Assistant Director for the Department of Social Services and currently, as Associate Director for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Supportive Services Division in the Department of Family Services. In addition, she is an advocate and educator for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS, poverty and domestic violence. Outside of work, Jackie has demonstrated her abilities as a leader through her involvement in sixteen various organizations such as the United Way, Reflections of Tomorrow, and the Human Trafficking Task Force.  She also actively supports ballet classes for young girls, programs for the homeless, and domestic violence education and prevention programs. She has worked tirelessly to coordinate responses and develop programs such as providing technical assistance to several community based organizations for ex-offenders, development of an anti-auto theft program,  and organized Toys for Tots drives to benefit children and families of crime victims, plus Thanksgiving Food Basket Drives. 

“It is because of Jackie Rhone’s deep character, humble attitude, and unwavering community activism that has truly made a difference in the lives of people in their most vulnerable moments that she is highly deserving and named the 2016 Gladys Noon Spellman Public Service Award honoree,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker. “Throughout her over two decades of service to the Prince George’s County government, Jackie Rhone has established the reputation of a woman of integrity, talent and compassion. Those qualities exemplify leadership required to move our community forward and why she was selected as this year’s recipient of the highest honor this County government bestows upon a female employee.”  

Ms. Rhone stated, “I am humbled and honored to receive this year’s Gladys Noon Spellman Public Service Award.  Mrs. Spellman’s life was dedicated to service and I have tried to live a life of service, because my work as a public servant is to give back to my community. I hope that my personal commitment to community service and labor of love will inspire others, and speaks volumes of how I try to live my life – giving my time and energy to others.” 

The 2016 Women in Government “WING” Award recipient, Gwendolyn Clerkley of the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT), has worked for the Prince George’s County government since 1989. She is a critical figure in all of DPWT’s important infrastructure projects as well as the County’s twice per year “Clean Up, Green Up” beautification efforts.   She is also a pivotal leader within the Suitland Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI) team and helps coordinate activities such as organizing job fairs, conducting community landscaping, leading volunteers, providing supplies, and supporting events such as National Night Out and Christmas in April.  

“The success of the Prince George’s County government lies in the passion and compassion of our employees,” said County Executive Baker. “Gwendolyn Clerkley epitomizes what it means to be a dedicated public servant.  From working non-stop hours during inclement weather events and emergencies to working weekends to organize County-wide clean ups of and garbage, Gwen is a valuable resource to the community, a mentor to many County employees and role model to the rest of us.” 

The 31st  Annual Women’s History Luncheon was attended by over 900 guests. WJLA’s Good Morning Washington Anchor/Reporter Jummy Olabanji served as Mistress of Ceremonies.  Music during the luncheon was provided by national recording and bestselling artist “Chelsey Green and the Green Project.” Additionally, Senator Barbara Mikulski was honored with a lifetime appreciation award from Prince George’s County for her decades of service to the County as our United States Senator. 

“It is fitting that we honored a strong and historic woman like Senator Barb Mikulski during this luncheon,” said County Executive Baker.  “Senator Mikulski was not only a trailblazer for the women of Maryland and Prince George’s County, but her legacy and accomplishments are important to every woman in this country and throughout the world.  I am so proud to have been able to work with Senator Mikulski, learn from her, and, most importantly, be inspired by her.” 

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