Stephanie A. Brennan

ARS Honors Brennan as Top Office Professional for 2004

By Don Comis
February 9, 2005

National news release

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9—Stephanie A. Brennan, an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) secretary, has been named the 2004 "ARS Office Professional of the Year." This award honors Brennan for her exemplary service to the ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit in West Lafayette, Ind., one of the first animal welfare research units in the country.

Brennan helped the unit through a period of great change that included a move to a new building last year. According to Donald C. Lay, research leader of the Livestock Behavior Research Unit, "Ms. Brennan's handling of the new building dedication and open house best symbolizes the level of talent and dedication she brings to her work. She constantly took initiative to look outside the traditional definition of her position for ways to improve the unit's office-- including cost savings--and to develop her own skills," Lay said.

"She provided the office foundation and efficiency that organized the unit's substantial research accomplishments," Lay added. "Through brochures she created, and by volunteering for activities like the Purdue Career Fair, she also brought more visibility to ARS on the campus of Purdue University where the unit is located."

Brennan participates in ARS Midwest Area Program Administrative Support Task Group activities. Returning from a recent program conference, she helped organize monthly meetings for all ARS secretaries at West Lafayette.

"Ms. Brennan is an outstanding representative of the many office managers throughout ARS who are an important part of our agency," said Edward B. Knipling, ARS administrator.

Brennan received a plaque and a cash award at the official ARS awards ceremony today at U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters here. ARS is the USDA's chief scientific research agency.