City of Arlington Employee Honored with Governor’s Trophy for Work in Employment of Disabled

By Office of Communication

Posted on October 23, 2012, October 23, 2012

The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities has named Stephen Booher, Organizational Development Specialist for the City of Arlington, a top 2012 Lex Frieden Employment Award winner. The award recognizes employers who go above and beyond the legal requirements in hiring, training and maintaining positive working relationships with employees with disabilities.

On October 24, Booher will be awarded the Governor's Trophy during a ceremony and luncheon in Houston. The Governor's Trophy is the highest honor awarded to an individual who has achieved success in enhancing the empowerment and employment of Texans with disabilities.

Booher works tirelessly to help improve and enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities in Arlington and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As a member of the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, he's had an opportunity to interact with the Cowboys Stadium design team on various issues.

"Winning the Governor's Trophy, the top Lex Frieden Employment Award, is a wonderful acknowledgment of the work I have had a passion for since I was in high school, almost 40 years,' said Stephen Booher. "We have to remember, culture changes slowly.'

Nominations for the awards were submitted by individuals and organizations from communities throughout the state, and winners were selected by a panel of judges familiar with disability issues from the public and private sectors.

"Since joining the Arlington Mayor's Committee on People with Disabilities, Steve has brought new ideas and energy to the committee,' said Ellen Brooke, staff liaison for the Mayor's Committee on People with Disabilities. 'He has such a positive attitude, enthusiasm and passion to assist those with disabilities. Steve works every day to bring awareness to the challenges and the changes that can make such a difference in a person's life.'

For the past four years, Booher has served as a board member of Helping Restore Abilities for the past four years. To bring more hands-on learning to people in the community, Booher taught classes on communicating effectively with people with disabilities and co-chaired the Disability at Heritage Center in Irving. He's also served on the Texas Instruments Diversity Network, and has coached and financially supported a team to raise money for Special Olympics in the Plane Pull at DFW Airport.

Booher joined the City of Arlington's Workforce Services department in 2008.

Stephen Booher with Donna Mack-Anderson of the Mayor's Committee on People with Disabilities as Mayor Robert Cluck recognizes October as Disability Awareness Month.