The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is Lisa DeRaymond, business operations specialist at Koniag Government Services, and finalist in the Executive Assistant of the Year category. Here, she talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
A key achievement for me was ensuring we did not lose sight of our internal day to day, month to month and quarter to quarter meetings, reporting and requirements, despite our continued, phenomenal growth this past year. While these items may seem mundane or easy to temporarily postpone while focusing on a short-term special project or goal, if we let them fall off the radar for too long, it becomes detrimental for the company and for the leadership I support. Consistency is key and my focus on the more day to day aspects of our work helps the company to continue to run smoothly, even during our busiest times.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
One of the items I will focus on is continued support of our Koniag Next Generation Leadership Program (KLP). This program is in its fifth year and has truly enabled KGS to support our future leaders from within, giving them insights and tools so they can continue to grow their careers at KGS and continue to help KGS to grow, which is win for the employee and for the company.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Listen and learn! As an EA, you have so many opportunities to work with various people within the organization, even if only peripherally. Take advantage of this to learn all you can about the company, your leadership and your peers. From this you will find ways to help your organization excel and grow and continue your own professional growth.