Chief Judge Janet DiFiore was among the recipients of Columbia Business School's Deming Cup for Operational Excellence at a ceremony held on Oct. 22 at the University's Low Rotunda. The award, which is traditionally reserved for leaders in the for-profit business world, was also given to David Abney, chairman and CEO, United Parcel Service, and Hubert Joly, executive chairman, Best Buy.

Judge DiFiore is the first government official to receive the Deming Cup in its ten-year history. The award was inspired by the late Dr. W. Edwards Deming's management philosophy focusing on quality and innovation, and is presented to honor individuals for their contributions toward promoting excellence in operations and fostering a culture of improvement within their organizations.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, left, introduced DiFiore and she was presented with the award by Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, and Michael Miller, right, immediate past president of the New York State Bar Association. (Photo by David Handschuh/NYLJ)