Administrative Professionals’ Day

In any organization, administrative professionals are the backbone that supports the entire team. At RHA, these professionals play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations and facilitating communication between various departments and residents. Jennifer Matlick and Angel Mackey are two indispensable members of the RHA team who exemplify dedication, efficiency, and professionalism in their roles.

Angel Mackey serves as the CEO’s Executive Assistant at RHA, bringing over 12 years of experience in Social Services coupled with a strong technology background. During her 16-year tenure in Rockford, Angel has generously volunteered in the community, supporting various organizations to enhance lives. Her extensive expertise spans a wide array of services, from aiding teen moms and senior citizens to mentoring young women in their careers, facilitating after-school tutoring programs, and conducting diverse computer and life skills classes for individuals of all ages.

Angel is dedicated to assisting people from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in low-income communities, and has dedicated a significant portion of her professional career to this cause.

Jennifer Matlick, Human Services Assistant, has a tremendous set of skills, learns very quickly, and always stays in communication with everyone to keep focused on her goals and plans. With her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, she keeps the administrative functions at RHA running seamlessly. Her ability to multitask and prioritize tasks ensures that important deadlines are met and that all team members have the necessary support to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

As part of the RHA team, Jennifer and Angel contribute significantly to the organization’s mission of creating safe and nurturing environments for residents. Their dedication and commitment to excellence align perfectly with RHA’s vision of providing inclusive, affordable, and innovative housing initiatives to enhance the quality of life for all. It is clear that administrative professionals like Jennifer and Angel are not just support staff; they are essential pillars that uphold the foundation of RHA’s impactful work in the community.

History of Administrative Professionals’ Day

During World War II, there was a scarcity of individuals possessing the skills of an administrative professional. This was a result of the declining birth rates from the Depression era and the rapid growth of post-war businesses. In 1942, the National Secretaries Association was established to acknowledge the valuable contributions of administrative personnel to the economy, enhance their professional development, and attract more individuals to the field. In their inaugural year as an association, they introduced National Administrative Professionals Day. Notable figures involved in the inception of this day include Mary Barrett, the association’s president; C. King Woodbridge, president of Dictaphone Corporation; and Harry F. Klemfuss and Daren Ball, public relations account executives at Young & Rubicam.

The tradition of honoring administrative professionals was originally established by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Charles W. Sawyer, as National Secretaries Week, observed from June 1st to June 7th. In 1955, the celebration was rescheduled to the final week of April, with Administrative Professionals Day falling on Wednesday. The title was altered to Professional Secretaries Week in 1981, and later changed to Administrative Professionals Week in 2000 to encompass the diverse roles and duties of administrative staff in today’s workforce. Despite several name changes over the years, the primary objective of appreciating and acknowledging the hard work of administrative professionals has remained constant.