U.S. General Services Administration
Shining a light on federal employees leaving a lasting legacy in the Pacific Rim Region
By: LeVesha Jones
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), is one of the best places to work in the federal government. In fact, our employees consistently rate us as one of the top federal government agencies in factors such as employee satisfaction.
Our mission is simple: Deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. We help agencies buy smarter, optimize their real estate footprint, leverage new technologies, and create a better government overall. One way we do this is by creating and fostering a strong workforce of dedicated public servants that wake up each day choosing to make government work better for all Americans.
Each year during the first full week of May, GSA is one of many federal agencies nationally celebrating Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) to honor and showcase our appreciation for all of the hardworking people that keep our federal, state, county, local and tribal government running nationwide, making #GovPossible!
This year, Region 9 is spotlighting Legacy Employees, those who have 30 or more years of military or civilian federal service. Hear how they began careers in federal service, their journeys to GSA, advice for new federal employees, and their lasting career legacy.
Whether it’s with GSA or another agency, working for the federal government:
- Allows you to help others and make a difference by serving your community, state and country.
- Can be steady and secure while offering flexible work schedules including fully remote and telework positions, promoting a healthy work life balance.
- Comes with rewarding benefits, competitive compensation options and a measure of responsibilities.
- Provides access to opportunities to advance and continue your professional development.
Joining GSA will provide you with a solid federal knowledge base, enhanced technical skills, ongoing professional development and you will join a team at the forefront of initiatives that shape where and how the government does work.
Check out USA.JOBS.gov to discover opportunities to join our team, once you get here, you might not leave!
Judy B.
Data Management Division, Federal Acquisition Service
50 Federal Service Years
How did you begin your federal service? Was it with GSA or somewhere else? Give us a short synopsis of your career journey.
I began my federal service with the Social Security Administration in August 1964. While employed with them, I held eight increasingly more responsible positions starting as a file clerk and ending as a regional office staff person. My rise through the ranks, included two different clerical positions, both service and claims representatives position, a field office supervisor position and regional office staff positions as a budget analyst, a field services specialist and a telecommunications specialist. The training and skills I acquired during my tenure with Social Security prepared me for my GSA career.
In March 1987, I transferred to GSA as an information technology specialist. I remained in this position until December 1994 when I retired with 30 years of service. After a break of about eight years while I worked in the private sector for an internet provider, GSA rehired me in May 2004 for the same position from which I retired. On May 3, I’m retiring again from the government, this time with an additional 20 years of service.
When did you join GSA and why?
As the R9 Social Security telecommunication’s regional manager, I worked very closely with the GSA Assistant Acquisition Services team installing telephone systems in all R9 Social Security offices. When my GSA point of contact left her position and GSA offered me the position, I immediately accepted as I already knew the job and the quality of my co-worker’s work.
Do you have a favorite project or program you worked on with GSA during your tenure?
My favorite GSA program and personnel is the Assistant Acquisition Services (name when I worked for them).
Do you have any advice for new employees beginning their federal service career?
Take advantage of all that GSA has to offer (i.e. vast job choices, training, exceptional personnel, personnel support programs). Keep pushing yourself forward, taking with you the good experiences and discarding the negative. Remain open and always do your best work.
What is your career legacy? (When you have left public service, what do you want or what will others remember about you?)
I worked hard and was richly rewarded with fulfilling jobs, wonderful colleagues and many dear friends.
Peter M. Friends call me “Pete”
Facilities Management Division, Public Buildings Service
41 Federal Service Years
How did you begin your federal service? Was it with GSA or somewhere else? Give us a short synopsis of your career journey.
My federal service began in the U.S. Navy. After retirement, I worked briefly as an operation and maintenance contractor before joining GSA in December 2000. Since beginning my journey with GSA, I have held positions as a planner estimator, building manager supporting the Land Port of Entry (LPOE) program, building services technician for construction/project work and am currently a building management specialist and technical subject matter expert for operations and maintenance services in the Los Angeles Service Center.
When did you join GSA and why?
December 2000. I wanted to join GSA! At the time, I was an operations and maintenance contractor and thought GSA would be a great organization to work for.
Do you have a favorite project or program you worked on with GSA during your tenure?
I enjoyed my time as a building manager and working on various projects at my assigned LPOEs supporting federal partners like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service, Customs. I’m proud of the roofing project I had oversight on at the Otay Mesa LPOE.
Do you have any advice for new employees beginning their federal service career?
Take advantage of the various opportunities to expand your knowledge base. Seek out detail opportunities to experience the various divisions within GSA. Create working relationships with your fellow GSA workers.
What is your career legacy? (when you have left Public Service, what do you want or what will others remember about you)
I was always available to assist when asked and enjoyed training and sharing my knowledge and insights. I was a good public servant.
Traci W. Friends call me “Traci”
Office of Strategic Communication
30 Federal Service Years
How did you begin your federal service? Was it with GSA or somewhere else? Give us a short synopsis of your career journey.
I like to think of myself as a “legacy” federal employee since I followed my parents’ footsteps into federal service. My dad and I were both ROTC cadets in college before becoming officers in the Army and Air Force, respectively. I served for over 13 years as a supply/logistics officer with assignments in New Jersey, Georgia, Washington, D.C., and England before returning to California. My mom worked for various federal agencies throughout her career and retired from the Social Security Administration, so I knew transitioning from the military to civilian federal service was a great option for me. It was an option that would allow me to not only continue my federal service but also move back home to be near family.
When did you join GSA and why?
I joined GSA in January 2007 and worked in the Region 9 Regional Administrator’s Office for more than five years, before assuming the public affairs officer position and now serving as the Office of Strategic Communication’s Zone 3 branch chief, supervising communications teams in Regions 7, 8, 9 and 10.
As a supply officer in the Air Force, I was very familiar with GSA from an acquisition and supplies perspective and knew it was a great organization to work for. I wasn’t mistaken. From the moment I joined GSA and Region 9, I felt welcomed and a part of the team. It’s been a great 17 years at GSA and in Region 9!
Do you have a favorite project or program you worked on with GSA during your tenure?
Working in communications is all about telling the GSA and regional story whether it’s in a media interview, written piece or through an event. Our ceremonies are always a lot of fun because we not only get to shape the look and feel of the event, but we also get to work closely with customer agencies, community partners, the GSA project teams, and the R9 field office staff who volunteer to support these events. It’s like a family reunion when we come back to town for the next event.
The most challenging project the team and I’ve worked on was the 57-hour I-5 South freeway closure during the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry project. We used every communications tool (media, social media, graphics, web pages, video, photography, branding, tag lines, and community and stakeholder outreach, etc.) at our disposal to get the word out to the binational communities about the freeway closure. The results were clear! Both communities heard our “Stay Local, Play Local” message and avoided crossing the border during that time frame. Traffic was almost nonexistent that weekend, and that’s rare at San Ysidro. This project really showed the impact of a great communications campaign and the exceptional partnerships that went into the planning and execution.
Do you have any advice for new employees beginning their federal service career?
I would share that the federal government is a great place to establish your career. It’s full of opportunities. Whether it’s serving in the military or at a civilian agency, working in one job series or several, staying in one location or moving around the world, there is something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to try something different if you aren’t fully satisfied where you are and with what you are doing. Keep learning and enhancing your skills. And plan for your future. Whether that’s learning something new, taking a lateral position to do something different or maximizing your benefits to have work / life balance, keep looking towards your future.
What is your career legacy? (When you have left public service, what do you want or what will others remember about you?)
As a communicator, I can’t point to a building I’ve worked on for years or a contract that I’ve awarded as my legacy. Those are legacies for different career fields. But I do hope peers and colleagues alike will remember the relationships we’ve developed over the years, the support my teams and I have provided and the great campaigns and stories we’ve told together.
Edward K. Friends call me “Eddie K”
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs
35 Federal Service Years
How did you begin your federal service? Was it with GSA or somewhere else? Give us a short synopsis of your career journey.
My GSA career began as a student aid working in the Management Services Division. I started in the mailroom, learned the different functions of the office, and worked my way up to become a contracting officer. While going through an office reorganization, my functions were moved to the Public Buildings Service, where I would end up spending half of my career. In 2017, my functions were acquired by the Office of Administrative Services - Workplace Services, which was another great division I had the privilege to work in. After five years of service with OAS, I had an opportunity to apply for a new position within the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA). In February 2022, I officially began my new position as a Congressional Services Representative, which I currently hold.
I joined GSA in 1989 while I was attending San Francisco State University (SFSU). A good friend of mine told me that GSA had a good student aid program run by Dorothy Sweet and that I should apply. What started off as a job for extra college money turned into a 30+ career.
Do you have a favorite project or program you worked on with GSA during your tenure?
One of my favorite programs that I loved overseeing was the R9 copier contracts. While working in this program it allowed me to build relationships with many GSA workers within and outside of the region. A lot of those relationships I continue to have and cherish till this day. The program also had many challenges that would require me to think outside the box, which I felt kept my mind sharp.
Do you have any advice for new employees beginning their federal service career?
Never become stagnant, do not be afraid to apply for better opportunities, and embrace change.
What is your career legacy? (When you have left public service, what do you want or what will others remember about you?)
I think my legacy will be remembered as a team player who stayed committed to bringing the best customer experience while being effective and efficient. In addition, someone who was able to offer assistance across all services by having a one GSA mindset.
Carol D.
Acquisition Management Division, Public Buildings Service
45 Federal Service Years
How did you begin your federal service? Was it with GSA or somewhere else? Give us a short synopsis of your career journey.
I began my federal service in 1979 under a program titled “Stay-in School”. I attended community college and worked part time at the Naval Communications Station on Rough & Ready Island in Stockton, California. After graduating from community college, I was encouraged to take the civil service exam to be picked up full time. I started my federal career as a GS-03, clerk-typist with the Navy, worked in various offices such as the civilian personnel office, the administrative office and supply office. I began my contracting career as a GS-5, procurement clerk in the mid-1980s. I’ve worked for a variety of agencies, such as the Navy, NASA, Army Corps of Engineers, and GSA.
When did you join GSA and why?
I joined GSA in May 2014 with an interest to participate in their teleworking program. The majority of my career I commuted at least two hours one way, so the thought of being able to reduce the amount of time spent on the road was very enticing to me.
Do you have a favorite project or program you worked on with GSA during your tenure?
During my tenure I would say my favorite program is the Energy Program, working with Energy Performance Savings Contracts (ESPC) and Utility Energy Savings Contracts (UESC). These types of contracts allow the Acquisition Management Division to procure energy savings and facility improvements with no up-front capital costs to GSA. They assist in obtaining new energy and sustainability goals and meet mandated requirements.
Do you have any advice for new employees beginning their federal service career?
The advice that I would give to a new employee is to understand the mission of your division within the mission of GSA. Understand how your role fits within that structure. Understand the culture of GSA and adapt. It is important to listen to your colleagues and learn. Respect others and their perspective, keep an open mind. Be a team player.
What is your career legacy? (When you have left public service, what do you want or what will others remember about you?)
I hope that I’m remembered as someone that stood for good ethics, sound judgment in the realm of contracting, a good mentor to others, and one that could be counted on for solid advice.