{"80":{"first":"Robert","last":"Teplitz"},"81":"","82":"robteplitz@comcast.net","83":"717-329-3101","84":{"first":"Peggy","last":"Morningstar"},"85":"2011?","86":"I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Peggy Morningstar, Esquire, CPA, CFE, for the Widener Excellence in Public Service Award.  \r\n\r\nI have known and worked closely with Peggy for the past 20 years, during her tenures at the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General, Harrisburg School District, and Department of Human Services.  The public has benefited tremendously from her excellent work in each of these positions.\r\n\r\nI worked at the Department of the Auditor General for about 14 years, ultimately serving as chief counsel and de facto chief of staff from 2005 to 2012.  Peggy reported to me in her capacity as a lawyer, investigator, and auditor and, based on her outstanding performance, I promoted her four times, culminating in her position as the Director of the Office Special Investigations, where she exposed waste, fraud, and abuse in state and local government agencies.  Thanks to her work, much of which occurred while she was simultaneously a full-time state employee and a law student in the evening division, there was greater transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility over public funds across the Commonwealth.  \r\n\r\nLater, at my request, Peggy took on challenging financial oversight roles at the Harrisburg School District -- where she found millions of dollars unknown to the board and management, thereby helping to restore fiscal stability to the district at a precarious time in its history -- and at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, where she was responsible for literally billions of state dollars that serve our most vulnerable citizens.  I worked with Peggy while she held those positions -- first, as the State Senator who represented Harrisburg and championed its recovery; and second, as a member of the Governor's Office of General Counsel providing legal support to DHS.\r\n\r\nQuite simply, Peggy Morningstar is one of the most overall talented colleagues with whom I have had the privilege to work in either the public or private sectors.  She has exceptional experience in both financial and legal analysis, as well as in managing employees and achieving a high level of productivity from them.  She also has the most extraordinary work ethic and sense of integrity I have ever encountered.  The Commonwealth is better off due to her service.  I cannot think of a better public servant and Widener graduate to receive this award.  Thank you for your consideration.\r\n\r\n"}