CONGRATULATIONS to BPHC staff who reached a milestone service anniversary between July 1 and September 30! You play an important role in helping BPHC achieve its mission. You help make BPHC the best place to work through your contributions, your dedication, and your support of fellow colleagues. Today we celebrate YOU!

Since launching this initiative last year, we have recognized 64 BPHC staff with milestone length of service anniversaries. We look forward to recognizing many more milestone length of service anniversaries this year!

Note: We linked the names of staff who participated in the Getting to Know feature in the BPHC Insider to their profiles. Interested in participating in a future Getting to Know? Email BPHC Insider for more information.

Paul Neff, Management Analyst, Division of Workforce Management, OAA

"Wow! Where have the 35 years gone. It seems like yesterday I started working for the U.S. Postal Service (1987), then off to the FDA (2000), and ending in HRSA (2012). What an amazing journey, meeting so many interesting individuals throughout my career.”

Patricia Horvath, Management Analyst, Office of the Director, OPPD

“I have been fortunate to have served in a variety of roles over my 30-year federal career, and have met and worked with so many wonderful people who have made my experience a positive one. Thank you all!”

Suma Nair, Director, Office of Quality Improvement

“This anniversary serves as an opportunity to reflect on the amazing journey I’ve had with HRSA and the Health Center Program, with deep gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. It also leaves me with a sense of excitement and wonder for what the next decade or two may hold.”

Jennifer Sermas, Public Health Analyst, Clinical Performance, OHCIO

“Getting up each day to do a job that has meaning and purpose for the past 20 years fills me with gratitude. My first year was spent in the second HRSA Scholars class (2002-2003) where I met so many inspirational people, many of whom are still at HRSA today. My BPHC team is the best I have ever worked with in my 20 years at HRSA. Everyone is dedicated to the mission and cultivates an atmosphere of openness, trust, and respect. Congratulations to everyone having milestone anniversaries at BPHC this quarter!”

Wendy Whitaker, Supervisor Workforce Planning, Division of Workforce Management, OAA

“I didn’t think I would be in government this long! I am so thankful, especially for all of the relationships I have formed with hard-working, mission-driven federal servants in this bureau and in HHS. I am also so grateful to have found my long-term niche in organizational development that supports public health.”

Katie Ballengee, Deputy Director, OHCIO

“This length of service anniversary brings up countless memories of the first half of my career, while also inspiring me for the second half. I have spent the majority of my federal service working at BPHC (14 years and four months to be exact). Memories are both professional and personal and include creating numerous EHBs modules, streamlining the change in scope process, and creating OHCIO, all while getting married and having two children.”

JoAnn Burch, Investment Oversight Advisor, Infrastructure Improvement Investment Management, OHCIO

“It has been quite a journey, and 14 of my 15 years of service have been in BPHC. I am blessed to be a part of such an outstanding team from the top leadership to my colleagues. Truly, a supportive and awesome team.”

Nathalia Drew, Lead Public Health Analyst, Strategic Partnerships, OQI

“This anniversary means longevity, commitment to service, and stability in my public health career.”

René Jones, Lead Public Health Analyst, Strategic Initiatives, OPPD

“Fifteen years of federal service reminds me how much I love public service and how honored I feel to work every day serving communities like the one I grew up in and helping people like my family and friends.”

Yolanda Joyner, Program Specialist, Health Center Engagement, OHCPM

“I started working at HRSA in 2007 and I am happy to say that within the past 15 years I have met and worked with some great people. I look forward to all of what life has to offer in the next 15 years.”

Mary Lou Ojeda, Lead Public Health Analyst, Strategic Initiatives, OPPD

“These last 15 years have been quite a journey. I am grateful for all the friendships I have made through my career and the opportunities to make a difference through the work we perform. Those moments when you see or hear how it made a positive impact in someone’s life or in a community are what make my heart smile.”

Kendra Williams, Public Health Analyst, Compliance Evaluation and Support, OHCPM

“This milestone in my federal career means commitment and dedication to the communities we serve every day through our work. It means a continued commitment to promoting and advocating for the health of people and their communities where they live, learn, work, and play.”

Bradford Milton, Lead Public Health Analyst, Emergent Health, OHCIO

“Reaching the 10-year mark means a lot to me. I treasure each day, month, and year I am able to be of sound mind and body. Working in a place that impacts the lives of so many Americans in a positive way provides me with a great sense of pride.”