Dr. Catherine L. Ross, Harry West Professor of Quality Growth and director of the Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development (CQGRD) at the Georgia Institute of Technology, has been named a 2006 Fellow by the National Academy of Public Administration.

The National Academy of Public Administration, in operation for more than 35 years, describes itself as "an independent, non-partisan organization chartered by Congress to assist federal, state, and local governments in improving their effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability." Its goal is to improve government performance, as well as to analyze critical issues in governance. The NAPA's Fellows address emerging issues and contribute to the intellectual and popular discourse on government.

"It is always great to be recognized by one's peers," said Dr. Ross, "particularly when those contributions result in an occasion to work with great people on issues, challenges, and opportunities to improve societal well-being."

Fellows elect new members of the Academy each year. The principal criterion for selection is a sustained and outstanding contribution to the field of public administration through public service or scholarship. Past named Fellows include Henry Cisneros, who headed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton; Paul Volcker, former chairman of the Federal Reserve Board; Paris Glendening, former governor of Maryland; Richard Lugar, senior United States Senator from Indiana; and Donna Shalala, president of the University of Miami. Harry West, whose endowment led to the creation of the CQGRD, was named a Fellow in 1996.