The first twenty years of my career were spent with the Departments of the Navy and Air Force. I first came to work to BLM in 1993 as the Employee Relations Specialist, and two year later took on the role of the Labor Relations Specialist. It was in 1996, when I was selected as the Human Resources Officer for California that I was finally able to put into practice so many leadership concepts that I had been learning and/or observing over the years.

I've never had a "formal" mentor, although my Father was a role model for me in my formative years. He impressed on me that you should work hard and take pride in knowing you've always done your best. This is the philosophy I've tried to followed.

I'm proud to say through hard work and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone, that I've gone from a GS-3 Personnel Clerk to a GS-14 Human Resources Officer. Many years ago I decided I wanted to become an HR Officer. In 1980, my supervisor told me if that was my goal, I would need experience in at least three functions of HR. Over the years, I worked in five of the functions. Each time I reassigned to a new function, I was determined to become the best at what I did. It was stressful and uncomfortable to leave a function I knew well to start all over again, but I saw it as a challenge and a means to reach my ultimate goal. While developing my technical expertise, I also honed by oral and written communication skills by writing training courses, accepting assignments as a technical instructor, and speaking at HR conferences. My greatest challenge and growth experience occurred when I took a one year detail in Washington to do a HR DOD-wide ten-year strategic planning project. A behavioral scientist on this team became my "informal" mentor who helped me to understand and appreciate the dynamics of people and how to utilize their strengths in various situations.

In recent years, I've benefited from working for two excellent leaders, Elaine M. Brong, Oregon State Director and Jim Abbott, California, Associate State Director. Although they have different styles, I've benefited greatly from their guidance and informal mentorship.