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Fall 2010

Greta Ericson Distinguished Service Award:
Henry Gardner Honored for a Lifetime of Public Service

Collaboration with sister regional agencies was a hallmark of Henry Gardner’s tenure as the executive director of the Association of Bay Area Governments. (Photo: Noah Berger)

This year marked a milestone for Henry Gardner as he stepped down from his role as the executive director of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). He leaves with nearly 30 years of public service, but isn’t retiring just yet.

Gardner cut his teeth in government in the city manager’s offices in Carbondale, Ill., and then Oakland, eventually becoming the city manager at the relatively youthful age of 35. The city was facing big challenges. “Oakland had just eliminated 1,000 positions as a result of Proposition 13, closed four fire stations, closed eight branch libraries,” he recalled.

After 22 years with the city of Oakland, he seemingly retired from public service and went into consulting. But Gardner had an interest in regionalism, so when the position of deputy executive director of ABAG became available in 2003, he found himself once again in government. After only a year and a half as deputy, he became the executive director of ABAG.

Gardner believes in building relationships, and he has been credited with improving ABAG’s rapport with other regional agencies while garnering the respect of his staff, agency partners and local officials. “He tries to understand all sides of an issue before making a decision. He welcomed input from his staff at all levels,” noted ABAG Assistant Executive Director Patricia Jones.

Former Oakland City Councilmember Dick Spees called Gardner “a true leader,” pointing out that in 1990 Gardner was named the most valuable city manager in the nation by City and State Magazine. “It was authentication of what we all believed,” Spees said.

Now Gardner is capping his public service career with MTC’s Greta Ericson Distinguished Service Award, named after the founder of MTC’s awards program.

While Gardner is leaving public service once again, “it’s not over yet,” as he often likes to say. His private firm — Gardner, Underwood & Bacon — is a financial advisor to cities and counties. Gardner hopes to one day find a permanent source of income for ABAG and continue to influence regional government in a positive way.

“Public service is an honorable calling,” he said. “And it has been a distinct honor to have served.”
— Pam Grove

Video Profile: Henry Gardner

Transactions Fall 2010 Issue: Contents