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Administrative assistants take time to 'spread wings'
at annual workshop in Boise

More than 90 administrative support staff from ITD’s six districts gathered Thursday (Sept. 27) for a day focused on career advancement and gaining better perspective on their contributions to the department’s success.

“Spread Your Wings” was the theme of this year’s event, held at the Nazareth Center in Boise. It is the 20th professional development workshop for administrative support staff the Department has sponsored and featured an array of guest speakers along with several team-building activities.

Carla Anderson, an administrative assistant with the Right of Way section and chair of this year’s event, welcomed participants and introduced ITD Director Pamela K. Lowe who discussed the value of taking positive risks and encouraged participants to not be afraid of taking those kinds of risks.

Architectural Historian Tricia Canaday, with the Idaho State Historical Society, talked about the significant places across the state that make Idaho special.

Mary Hunter, with the Office of Highway Operations and Safety, gave attendees an update on OHOS activities and safety programs including DUI, Aggressive Driving, Child Safety Seat, Teen Driver and Seat Belt programs.

Soon to celebrate 30 years with ITD, Signing Services Manager Brett Purvis showed off new reflective sign technology and examples of new reflective material. Terry McAdams, Signal Operations Coordinator, gave participants a glimpse how traffic might one day flow smoother.

In light of the collapsed Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis, Kathleen Slinger talked about Idaho bridges, including the recently damaged Broadway Overpass. Slinger has been involved with bridges at ITD for 24 years, the first eight in Design and the rest in Bridge Inspection.

An architect, historian and consultant for Arrow Rock Architects, Donna Hartman shared her real passion with the workshop participants – yoga. Hartman demonstrated the physical value of yoga and how it can help relieve stress in the workplace.

Workshop activities wrapped up with the display of a powerful golden eagle by Monte Tish. While Tish has worked for ITD for 24 years, about 19 years ago he started Tish Raptor Rehab. The non-profit group, based out of Nampa and Boise, takes care of injured birds of prey and releases them back into the wild.

In addition to the speakers, the event included team-building activities, door prizes and a luncheon.

2007 Administrative Support Workshop Committee Members
– Carla Anderson Right of Way
– Judie Cahoon Motor Carrier Services
– Pat Marler Planning Division
– Judy Rogers Planning Division
– Bonnie Fogdall Motor Vehicle Division
– Karen Schoenhut Driver Services
–Debby McCarthy EEO Office
–Inez Hopkins Planning Division
– Deborah Dorius Highway Safety
– Diane Smith Roadway Design
– Pat Williams Highway Division
– Janie Stillwell Highway Operations