The City of Campbelltown’s Executive Assistant, Jan Franklin, was recently named South Australia’s 2003 Office Professional of the Year – the first time a Local Government employee has won the award. Executive Assistant of the Local Government Association of South Australia, Jacqui Kelleher, also won an Achievement Award from the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP).
The AIOP awards recognise good communication skills in office staff who anticipate and meet the needs of other staff, have good general knowledge about the organisation and a commitment to providing professional service.
Jan Franklin has been a Campbelltown employee for more than 20 years and was nominated by Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Vlatko. When he saw the criteria for the awards, he knew Jan had a real chance of winning.
“I’ve worked closely with her for six years and have watched her develop advanced skills and competencies since stepping up to the role of Executive Assistant,” Peter Vlatko said. “Of the judging criteria, I think Jan excels in workplace initiative, decision making and particularly in teamwork.
“She has created an efficient, professional Executive Support Unit comprising experienced team members right through to trainees. They function extremely well in a harmonious environment and that has made the whole organisation more efficient.”
Jan Franklin said she was surprised and thrilled to win the award.
“It was such an honour to be selected for this industry wide award and I think it reflects the professionalism and dedication of the staff at Campbelltown,” she said. “There are great opportunities here for staff development and it really shows that Local Government is a rewarding and enriching career path.”
AIOP is a professional organisation representing people in administrative positions. The Insitute encourages professional qualifications and promotes the profile of office professionals in the business community.
