Media Release
Washington, Mar 16: At the recently held employee recognition ceremony held at the Harry S Truman Building, the US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) presented Brian Santhumayor with two meritorious honor awards. A number of top officials, senior staff, and employees of the US State Department and Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) were present at the ceremony.
The prestigious meritorious honor award is presented by the US State Department to groups or individuals in recognition of a special act or service or sustained outstanding performance.
The award consists of a certificate signed by the assistant secretary of State. The two Meritorious Honor Awards were presented to Brian for his 'Uncompromising professionalism in the determined pursuit of improvised information technology solutions to support public affairs and policy' and for 'Sustained exemplary performance in developing innovative solutions to support the Bureau of Consular Affairs in its mission to protect the lives and interests of US citizens overseas'.
As a liaison officer with the US State Department, Brian manages special projects to enhance US national security. He also establishes collaborative working relationships with CA directorates and US embassies and consulates worldwide. Brian received commendation for working tirelessly to support and implement CA’s mission: protecting the lives and interests of US citizens abroad and strengthening US border security through the vigilant adjudication of US passports and visas.
On April 27, 2011, President Obama had issued an Executive Order 13571 requiring executive departments and agencies to, among other things, identify ways to use innovative technologies to streamline their delivery of services to lower costs, decrease service delivery times, and improve the customer experience.
As part of the Government-wide strategy to build a 21st century digital government that delivers better digital services to the American people, Santhumayor has been actively working with his colleagues in the US State Department to enhance digital services and the use of web APIs – that will enable the US government to more easily deliver information and services through multiple channels, including mobile, and engage the public and America’s entrepreneurs as partners in building a better government.
Brian has been previously recognized by the US State Department with several awards: the superior honor award (2013) for his sustained exemplary performance in support of US Citizens, US Diplomatic Missions, and the Bureau of Consular Affairs in responding to and preparing for crisis events, CST excellence award (2012) and the leadership award (2010).
He was also a featured employee during the US State Department’s celebration of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2011.
Brian has trained many US embassies and consulates in crisis management and worked with the Consular Task Force at the US State Department operations center to assist overseas US citizens and their families during crises. He has also served on many task forces in the government, private sector, non-profit, and educational sectors.
Brian has two decades of global experience having served as a board member of several non-profit organizations where he helped in disaster relief efforts during the earthquake in India, the tsunami, and several other crises. In addition to receiving a number of leadership awards from non-profits and the private sector, he has received the US President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award, the leadership award from the Boston
Jaycees, and a leadership commendation from former US President Bill Clinton’s American India Foundation for his leadership.
Brian has actively supported programs in India that focused on empowering women in rural communities and preparing children in India to compete in today’s technology age. As chairperson of the ten young outstanding leaders (TOYL) awards program in Boston, he spearheaded the TOYL awards program whose past honorees included the late President John F Kennedy, late Senator Edward Kennedy, and others.
Brian has helped launch leadership programs in the US to advance diverse talent and improve global health by providing medical care to orphans and other needy children in Africa. He also has a wealth of experience in South Asia, Middle East, Canada, and the US working with many multi-national cultural organizations; he has spearheaded many cultural, charity, and community events including participating in pledge drives on WGBH Television and has done interviews and public service broadcasts on local, national, and international television.