U.S. General Services Administration
Butler uses 40 years of experience to serve others
PBS Portfolio Division, BA54 Program Analyst Janice Butler will reach the 40-year milestone of her federal career Aug. 8.
How did your federal career begin?
Right after high school graduation, I accepted a position with the National Council of Alcoholism. Soon after a friend convinced me to apply for a position with her employer, the Department of Education. I got the job and my federal career began as a GS-2.
At DOE, I was a reading assistant for a blind investigator, accompanying him to various schools throughout Missouri, reading documents out loud as he took braille notes. The progression of my federal career included positions with the Marine Corps Finance Center, Social Security Administration, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Freedom of Information Act office in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
I am thankful for my diverse work background as it allowed me the perspective of seeing the government as a whole body and how all the parts work in conjunction with each other.
In 2006 I became part of the GSA PBS portfolio (formerly Repair and Alterations Branch) family, and I am still with the same division today. I treasure the regional and national relationships I have been able to build by staying in the same division. I have also been able to continuously build upon my portfolio and leadership skills.
I have always taken great pride in my work. It isn’t all about the value of the task I am performing, it is also about the value I can add to the workplace by using my experience to show others how to get things done.
What was the highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career was being nominated for the 2015 PERD Customer Service Award by since-retired PBS Design and Construction Division Director John Topi. It was an honor to receive this award.
Over the years there have been a number of GSA employees who positively impacted me as an employee and person, and I would consider them to be highlights of my career as well. One was retired PBS Program Manager Dan Ryan. He took the time to really see me and know who I was. He could ‘speak into me’ and encouraged me to be more. We had honest conversations, and I valued his opinion because I knew he wanted the best for me. I strive to be that person for others, because I know how important it was to me.
Why did you stay with the federal government?
The federal government has provided me with security even when the economy has been shaken. I have always been able to provide for my family and not worry about doing without.
The government runs everything, and I felt there would always be a job out there for me somewhere.
What advice would you give to new employees?
I would tell new employees to take every opportunity they are given that aligns with their purpose and goals. There are many areas you can move to through training experiences and building relationships outside of your particular area of expertise.
The government affords opportunities you will not get anywhere else. It is your responsibility to take advantage of opportunities and develop professionally and personally.
I guarantee you will get some piece of knowledge that will help you as you move forward. What I learned about work, life, relationships and diversity came from the many opportunities that I received both regionally and nationally.
What do you do when you are not at work?
I took what I learned from my career and applied it to my personal life to help others. I am a domestic violence survivor and a breast cancer survivor. I run a nonprofit to support others in similar situations, helping and encouraging them to see their potential; reach their goals and define their purpose.
Speaking to empower and motivate women is my passion. I have also authored a book and co-authored a second — both written to help people recover and build healthy relationships. Difficult things happen not because they were supposed to, but they can make you stronger.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I was born and raised in the inner city, and I still call Kansas City my home. I have two children, and recently became a grandmother (NaNa) for the fifth time this past June.
I also love food and being a “taste tester” especially Italian food and seafood.
Although I can retire, I’ll probably stick around GSA for a couple of more years. I am hoping to travel more, as my plans to Paris were cancelled this past year due to COVID. Hawaii and Fiji are on my bucket list.