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The Federal Trade Commission announced today that Joel Winston, Associate Director for Privacy and Identity Protection in the agency’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, has received the 2008 Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive.

“As this prestigious award demonstrates, the FTC and this nation are very fortunate to have the services of Joel Winston,” FTC Chairman William E. Kovacic said. “Joel has changed how companies do business and what consumers expect of them. His work has led to groundbreaking law enforcement actions, and under his leadership, the Division has become the national leader in the areas of privacy, data security, credit reporting, and identity theft.”

Winston has served in the agency for 31 years. He is a nationally recognized expert in consumer protection law, and he has spearheaded enforcement efforts of national significance, including teen smoking, home ownership, consumer privacy, and identity theft. Winston led the team that challenged the use of cartoon characters in cigarette marketing; he also led settlement negotiations that resulted in $350 million in refunds to consumers defrauded by deceptive or unfair practices in the subprime mortgage industry.

The President’s award is among the highest honors given to members of the Senior Executive Service, who serve in key positions between top Presidential appointees and the rest of the federal work force. Each year, the President presents the award to those who have distinguished themselves by achieving results and consistently demonstrating strength, integrity, industry, and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

(President’s Award)