All News Releases By Date

EPA Administrator Recognizes Atlanta Civic Leader with President's Highest Volunteer Service Award

Release Date: 10/31/2007
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, [email protected]

(Atlanta, Ga. – Oct. 31, 2007) – EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson today honored Bradley Currey, Jr. with the President’s Volunteer Service Award at a ceremony in Atlanta, Ga. Since his retirement in 2000, Currey has focused on protecting water resources and preserving the scenic beauty of the State of Georgia through land conservation.

Widely sought after in Atlanta for his counsel and advice, Currey is a former chairman and CEO of the Rock-Tenn Company, which recycles more than one million tons of wastepaper a year.

Since 2000 Currey served as a member of Georgia’s Joint Comprehensive Water Plan Study Committee which proposed Georgia’s first statewide water plan. The Committee examined the water resource issues facing Georgia and evaluated existing laws, rules and programs to manage water resources. The Committee then recommended legislation which has been enacted by the General Assembly.

“Today we honor Bradley Currey, Jr. for answering President Bush's call to serve a cause greater than himself,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Dedicated volunteers like Mr. Currey are inspiring others to join them in delivering America a brighter, healthier future."

During his travels across the country, Administrator Johnson meets with individuals like Bradley Currey, Jr. who are answering the call to volunteer service, environmental education and pollution prevention.

Currey’s success with conserving land is even more remarkable. He is a Founding Trustee and member of the Board of Directors of the Mountain Conservation Trust, a non-profit dedicated to the permanent conservation of the natural resources and scenic beauty of the mountains and foothills of North Georgia. Through land protection, collaborative partnerships and education, the Trust has conserved more than 1,000 acres in northeast Georgia through permanent conservation easements.

In 2004, Currey was appointed by the Governor of Georgia to the Advisory Council of the Georgia Land Conservation Partnership which assisted in preparing Georgia’s first comprehensive, statewide land conservation plan. He also is a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas to see how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.