RICH BEELER OF LONGMONT, COLO., IS A NOAA RESEARCH EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Rich Beeler, chief of the computer services division at one of NOAA’s Boulder laboratories, is one of four Employees of the Year for 2005 from NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Each year, OAR recognizes those among us who have made very special contributions to promoting excellence in our operations or programs,” said Richard D. Rosen, assistant administrator of the NOAA Office of Ocean and Atmospheric Research. “Rich is one of those people who promotes excellence through his initiative, commitment, effort, and competence.”

Beeler, a Longmont, Colo., resident, has been employed by NOAA for 22 years. He was cited for his “personal and professional excellence and leadership, administrative and technical support, and quality improvements to customers in Information Technology.”

“I’m pleased to receive this honor,” Beeler said. “We face many challenges and fortunately have excellent people to work with, who make it an enjoyable and successful experience. I attempt to follow six principles which are displayed on a poster in my office.”

Beeler’s poster, “Six Rules for Successful Leadership,” suggest that we 1) control our own destiny, 2) face reality as it is, 3) be candid with everyone, 4) don’t manage, lead, 5) change before you have to, and 6) compete only when you have an advantage.

A ceremony to honor the four, Beeler, Keith Dixon of South Brunswick, N.J. and Sherry Hostetler and Maureen McMahon of Olney, Md., will be held March 15 in Silver Spring, Md.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through research to better understand atmospheric and climate variability and to manage wisely our nation's coastal and marine resources.

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