OMB Watch congratulates the 2008 Public Interest Hall of Fame inductees and the Public Interest Rising Star Award winners!

Gary D. Bass, Executive Director of OMB Watch, said of the award winners, "This group of people represents the most dedicated and energetic of those who work every day to protect basic rights and improve the quality of life for all of us, but who are rarely recognized for their crucial contributions. The OMB Watch board of directors and staff understand that progressive social change is complex; it takes a national community, and it takes persistence. Our success as an organization is linked to the success of public interest advocates across the country. That is why OMB Watch is proud to present these leaders with these awards, and it is our sincere hope that all of them continue to work for the public interest for many years to come. Our communities, our nation, and our world are better off because of these champions."

To learn more about and see a video of each awardee, click on his or her picture in the gallery below. Expanded bios are available in the 2008 Public Interest Awards program.

2008 Public Interest Hall of Fame Inductees

Thomas Blanton The National Security Archive Washington, DC	Richard D. Burns The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center New York, NY	Rick Engler The New Jersey Work Environment Council Trenton, NJ
Ronald E. Jackson Citizens for Better Schools Birmingham, AL	David R. Jones Community Service Society of New York New York, NY	Robert S. McIntyre Citizens for Tax Justice Washington, DC
	Marylee Orr Louisiana Environmental Action Network Baton Rouge, LA

2008 Public Interest Rising Star Award Winners

Aileen Carr Congressional Hunger Center Washington, DC

Jotaka Eaddy formerly USAction Washington, DC

Caroline Farrell Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment Delano, CA

Erika Hagensen The Arc & United Cerebral Palsy Disability Policy Collaboration Washington, DC

Jason Sabo United Ways of Texas Austin, TX