Rotary tags Macali As 'Outstanding' city awardee

By Stacy Parker, The Virginian-Pilot - 6/5/2008

Outstanding.

The word has been following William "Bill" Macali around these days. Having been recognized with two awards for his exemplary work as deputy city attorney, he's about to get a third: Virginia Beach Rotary Club's "2007 Outstanding City Employee" award.

"I'd like to think I've won the triple crown," Macali, a Lagomar resident, said.

The club will present Macali an engraved Revere Bowl and a hand-colored calligraphy certificate at the Doubletree Hotel on June 12. His name also will be inscribed on the plaque in City Hall that lists all of the previous winners.

It will be the 28th year Virginia Beach Rotary Club has recognized a city employee for his or her accomplishments.

City department heads and other city leaders nominate candidates. Four judges vote on who they think is deserving, and the candidate with he most vote wins.

They look for people who have worked above and beyond the call of duty, shown superior performance, received state and/or national recognition from professional groups, served the community and continues personal development.

Les Lilley, city attorney, nominated Macali, who is 55 and has been a deputy city attorney since 1995.

David Rourk, public relations chairman for the Beach Rotary Club, explained why Macali was chosen.

"Virginia Beach consistently wins national awards for being a great city. Bill Macali has played an important role in getting the city to that level of excellence," said Rourk.

"From the Lake Gaston Pipeline to the Agricultural Lands Preservation program to the successful conclusion of BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure), Bill has a stellar record for getting the right things done."

He added, "He is passionate and enthusiastic about Virginia Beach and his work shows it - every day."

When Macali was notified that he would be the recipient, he said he couldn't believe it.

"I was very flattered," Macali said.

He recently received an award for "Outstanding Deputy or Assistant Local Government Attorney in Virginia," from the Local Attorney's of Virginia and a special recognition award from Virginia Beach Industry of Agriculture for his "outstanding" contributions to agriculture.

Macali wrote the Agricultural Lands Preservation Ordinance, establishing Virginia's first comprehensive farmland protection program in 1995. He also drafted about 25 land-use and related ordinances in response to the BRAC Commission's realignment of Oceana Naval Air Station.

"Some of the things I have worked on have made us a getter community," said Macali. "Contributing to the community in a positive way is a reward in itself."

Virginia Beach Rotary Club has about 60 members. In May, the club held its annual scholars recognition dinner, awarding $8,000 in scholarships to three outstanding Virginia Beach high school seniors. The club also recognizes an "Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for Virginia Beach" annually and gives a special achievement award to a person with a disability.

In 2007, the club provided $13,000 in grants to Virginia Beach organizations including REACH Reading, Meals on Wheels, St. Mary's Home for Disable Children and the Jail Ministry. Members of the local organization volunteer with Virginia Beach Youth Crisis Center, Samaritan House and environmental projects.

For more information about the Virginia Beach Rotary Club, contact David Rourk at david@rourkpr.com or 478-0150.

Stacy Parker, stacyparker@cox.net

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