Founding Partner of Ridge Policy Group, former Governor of PA and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, recently received the 2022 William Oliver Baker Award. The Baker Award recognizes extraordinary contributions to U.S. intelligence and national security affairs.
Following the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, President George W. Bush named Gov. Ridge the first director of the newly established White House Office of Homeland Security. In this capacity, he was charged with establishing a coordinated national approach to protect the United States from terrorist threats. On January 24, 2003, he became the first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. His leadership helped shape and define the newly established agency.
Governor Ridge was honored in a video by many of his esteemed former colleagues during the event. Susan Neely, Special Assistant to the President, said “Secretary Ridge was a great leader who inspires a lot of passion and commitment from the people that serve.” The video features a wide range of established and respected figures in DC, including RPG Partner Mark Holman. This video highlighted many of Governor Ridge’s unique traits that made him such a fantastic and well-respected leader, underscoring why he deserved to receive this award. See the video honoring Governor Ridge below.
The establishment of DHS marked the largest reorganization of government since the Truman administration. As Secretary, Governor Ridge worked with more than 180,000 employees from a combined 22 agencies to create a new Cabinet. He helped define and shape the missions, goals, and jurisdiction of the DHS. He led with an open mind and open ear, establishing lines of communication to state governments and other federal agencies. Throughout his career of service, he has received numerous honors, including the Woodrow Wilson Award, the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Dwight D. Eisenhower Award, the John F. Kennedy National Award, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Governor Ridge is the Emeritus Chair of the National Organization on Disability and is the Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense. Both organizations are clients of Ridge Policy Group, and we work hard to help them pass legislative goals and secure their recommendations into law. Governor Ridge also serves on the board of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.
At the event, Governor Ridge said “We have legions of men and women protecting us… The best prize that life has to offer is hard work worth doing, and protecting the homeland will always be worth doing.” To view the entire award speech, check out the video below.
After finishing his public service career, Governor Ridge started Ridge Policy Group. Under his leadership, Ridge Policy Group has become a top government affairs firm in Washington DC. His commitment to bipartisanship and his country is reflected in the work Ridge Policy Group does. His willingness to work with all political parties has garnered him well-deserved respect in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania.
At Ridge Policy Group, we are proud to say we work for such an amazing figure. Governor Ridge is well respected and well-liked. We take pride in working for him and being representatives of him. This pride is reflected in our dedication to our work and our clients.