Patti Shay, management support assistant, has been with Rural Development for 19 years, at the Maine state office, in Bangor. She also is a tribal member of the Penobscot Nation, located in Old Town.
Patti lives on Indian Island, the Penobscot Nation tribal reservation. She comes from a strong military family; all branches have been represented dating back to World War II. Though not military herself, she is a third-generation federal employee. Patti is part of the state director's staff. She loves administrative duties, which includes serving as the payroll timekeeper and backup webmaster. Another duty she loves is answering the state office main phone line. When a caller contacts the agency, they may not know which questions to ask to receive the assistance they need. The first voice they hear on the line is Patti’s. This allows her to interact with people and direct them to the program staff that can assist them with their needs.
Even when not at work, Patti prides herself on being able to help her tribal community. Tribal members often ask her who to call about home repairs. Being a Rural Development employee, Patti is able to tell them which office to contact and which program to ask about.
Timothy P. Hobbs, the state director of USDA Rural Development in Maine says, “Patti is a shining example of the outstanding customer service our agency provides. She has helped so many people in her career with the agency. Hearing a warm and friendly voice on the other end of the line puts our customers at ease, and her knowledge of our programs ensures people find their way to the assistance they need.” He adds, “I am proud of her and the work that she does. We are privileged to have her as part of the team in Maine.”
Patti says there's always something that needs to be done. ”As a technician, getting the small things done helps specialists and management staff concentrate on the bigger things. I love what I do and helping my fellow employees get their jobs done.”
