What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
During high school, I was a short order cook and waitress at a drug store lunch counter. I took the order, cooked the food, served the meal and did the dishes - all for $1.00 an hour plus tips. I learned how to deal with all sorts of people with patience and a smile. I also learned that I wanted to stay in school and do something besides wait tables the rest of my life!

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
Pat McGuire, who is now retired and lives in Missouri, was a great boss and mentor. I worked for him at two different times in my career - at the U.S. Customs Service as a systems programmer and early in my tenure with the Financial Management Service. He had confidence in my abilities, both technical and managerial, and helped me believe in myself. I give him a lot of credit for the success I have had in my career.

What is your favorite book?
The "Posionwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver. It is both thought provoking and a good story.

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
The Internet explosion and growth of electronic commerce will have - are having - a profound effect on the way we live and work, not only in the United States but around the world. I'm sure this is just the beginning of tremendous change, both in the field of information technology and in our overall culture.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
People!

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
In the last few years, I think my biggest accomplishment was successfully managing my organization's year 2000 (Y2K) program and dealing with the associated Congressional oversight and skepticism. Although most folks now think Y2K was overblown hype and/or "ho hum," it turned out okay because of the tremendous amount of work that was done by many dedicated IT professionals. Y2K was a real challenge for our organization. For me personally, the challenge was intensified because I had to testify before Congress, as well as respond to the media on our Y2K program. Because FMS issues over 85% of Federal government payments, including Social Security and Veterans benefit payments, there was understandable concern that millions of Americans could be left without money for basic living expenses if we messed up - so we were under a great deal of scrutiny. It was tough - especially the first time I sat down at the witness table in front of a panel of skeptical Congressmen and women! But, we had our act together and there were no disruptions in our payment services as a result of Y2K.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
My greatest challenge has been coping with serious illness in close friends and family. I doubt that anyone is prepared for these kinds of life-altering events. What have I learned from this experience? There is an old James Taylor song... "shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you care..." and you should!

What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
I have a strong network of friends who help by pulling me away from the office when I forget that there is life outside of work.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
No matter what field you enter, you should believe in yourself, treat people fairly and with respect, take the initiative, and never compromise your integrity.