Lynn McGowan-McNear, the Kentucky Department of Education’s resource management director, has received the Walter R. Gattis Jr. Award.

Picture of a smiling woman.

Lynn McGowan McNear

McGowan-McNear started her career as a clerical assistant and has risen through the ranks over her more than three decades of government service.

“Lynn has been a consummate professional at KDE through numerous leadership and educational changes,” said Commissioner of Education Jason E. Glass. “We rely upon her expertise when it comes to human resources questions and depend upon her sound judgment when tough decisions must be made. Often Lynn’s work is done behind the scenes, and we depend on her to keep the ship afloat.”

The Gattis Award is presented annually at the Kentucky Chapter International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) Annual Conference. The award recognizes a chapter member who has made significant contributions in the field of human resources management and in the promotion of the chapter.

The award is given in honor and in memory of Walter R. Gattis Jr., who was instrumental in the establishment and development of Kentucky’s merit system. He served as commissioner of the Department of Personnel from 1961 to 1967, personnel director at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center from 1974 to 1976, personnel officer for the newly revised State Court System from 1976 to 1980, and held a number of other positions in state and federal government.

The selected nominee is awarded with a plaque. Additionally, honorees selected after 2005 also receive an honorary lifetime membership into the Kentucky Chapter.