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Philadelphia Resident Honored with EPA Employee Award

Release Date: 07/01/2008
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 / heron.donna@epa.gov

Philadelphia (July 1, 2008) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s mid-Atlantic region presented the Administrative Excellence Award to Magdalin Gomez, of Philadelphia, at its annual employee recognition ceremony on May 13.

This award is given to an employee who exemplifies the highest possible standards of secretarial excellence.

Gomez, who has worked at EPA for 17 years, is the office manager for the Office of Public Affairs.

“Maggie provides reliable support to 16 people, all of whom are almost completely computer illiterate," last year's winner, Rhonda Purnell said. “Described as the "computer wizard" of the Office of Public Affairs, Maggie had a particularly challenging year introducing three unexpected electronic systems. But fortunately for her co- workers, Maggie's mantra is "no problem."

“Maggie provides assistance for Spanish-speaking media relations, and coordinates international travel for the entire region,” Purnell said. “Give Maggie a two-day project and she'll have it done correctly in just a few hours. Administratively-speaking, nothing is too hard for Maggie. Even when she was recuperating from extensive surgery last year, she demonstrated her commitment to the office by providing over-the-phone technical support. Her easy-going attitude and willingness to help out makes her immensely approachable and pleasant to work with every day.”

Gomez graduated from Philadelphia’s Kensington High School in 1986.

“This award means a lot to me because I work with great people who need my services,” Gomez said. “It makes me happy to help someone any way I can.

EPA’s mid-Atlantic region covers Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.