Administrative assistants can be the lifeblood of an office, keeping projects on schedule and keeping administrators on time. Now outstanding professionals from their ranks will see their hard work publicly rewarded.
 Amy Stillings-Farris, left, and Becky Andrews review details of an awards program for administrative professionals. (Photo by Alicia Di Rado) |
The 2009 “Excellence in Action” awards program, cosponsored by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and City of Hope, will recognize and honor administrative professionals who excel at supporting City of Hope’s mission and values. The selected staff member will be named Administrative Professional of the Year.
Beginning March 9, anyone at City of Hope may submit an online form to nominate one of the institution’s administrative professionals by visiting the IAAP page on the employee intranet, available at www.coh.org/iaap. Nominations for the 2009 program close March 30.
“Our administrative professionals do so much to advance the institution’s strategic plan. It’s only fitting that we recognize staff who demonstrate outstanding leadership, initiative, customer service and other important attributes that embody our values,” said Deborah Gac, senior vice president of human resources.
The program fits in well with recommendations from the 2008 Organizational Survey, which found that employees desire greater rewards and recognition for high-quality work. “Creating an administrative professional of the year program was a natural,” said Becky Andrews, president of the local IAAP chapter, who worked on the project with Amy Stillings-Farris, the group’s vice president. “We’re excited to join together with City of Hope to make it happen.”
Anyone who submits a form may choose to have the award candidate notified of the nomination. The candidate may opt to participate in the program and even submit support materials, such as comments from others, to support their nomination.
Five judges will determine the administrative professional of the year based on demonstrated achievements in desired City of Hope competencies and values, such as the ability to communicate clearly and constructively, pursuit of ways to improve quality and safety, contributions to patient care and research, and leadership qualities.
The selected employee will receive a trophy, monetary prize and a dedicated parking spot for one year. Two runners up also will receive monetary prizes, and all nominees will be recognized publicly.
The administrative professional of the year will be honored at the IAAP annual luncheon on April 23. Staff at the medical center and downtown Los Angeles locations are eligible.
