National news release

Local Executive Assistant Receives a Top Office Professional Award for 2006

By Alfredo Flores
March 6, 2007

WASHINGTON, Mar. 6—The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is honoring area resident Mary L. Goleski as the agency's 2006 "ARS Office Professional of the Year." ARS is the chief scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with over 100 research locations in the United States and abroad. Goleski received a plaque and cash award at the agency's awards ceremony today at USDA headquarters here.

Executive assistant Goleski has worked in the Office of the Director of the Acquisition and Property Division (APD) for the past 11 years. APD handles nationwide policy and operational support functions including acquisitions (contracting and small purchases), competitive sourcing, and personal property. APD is a part of the Administrative and Financial Management group that services four USDA agencies that make up the USDA's Research, Education, and Economics mission area.

Goleski was honored for providing extraordinary support throughout the APD and continually thinking of ways to streamline processes and improve performance. She has independently assumed responsibilities far beyond her daily work and is the final quality control point for the administrative processes of the entire division. Goleski closely monitors expenditures and allocates and reports on the status of the division's $3.8 million budget.

One of the original co-chairs of the AFM Secretarial Council, Goleski is currently the chairperson of the Headquarters Advisory Council for Office Support Professionals. She lives in Millersville, Md., with her husband Wayne and their dog Louie.