David Bent Award 2016

On October 25, 2016, U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian awarded the annual David M. Bent Award for Excellence in Administrative and Litigative Support to Vanessa M. Gambelunghe, a budget analyst in the Albany Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.

Gambelunghe received the award at a ceremony attended by co-workers, her family, and David Bent’s daughter, Christine Cullen. Gambelunghe started at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2000, as a college student intern; went on to be hired as a contractor in the Victim Witness Unit; and began working on budgeting and financial issues in 2009. U.S. Attorney Hartunian praised Gambelunghe for having an upbeat and energetic attitude while working on complex budgeting and financial assignments of high importance to the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The award is giving annually in honor of David Bent, who was the Administrative Officer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office from 1983 until April 2001, when he suffered a sudden illness resulting in his death. He was a dedicated and diligent administrator who worked tirelessly to ensure that his diverse and demanding responsibilities were done well and on time. Each year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office honors his contributions and legacy by recognizing a staff member who performs at a similarly high level over a prolonged period of time.