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Story by Lillie Knott

Kathy Stern, administrative assistant at the �ձ�av��Ƶ Extension Mitchell Regional Center, has been named �ձ�av��Ƶ’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for February.

Stern has served in the role supporting field operations for her Extension colleagues and the public for nearly 11 years. Her passion, dependability, organization and commitment have all been praised by her coworkers, who say her dedication to every aspect of her work has distinguished her as an outstanding employee.

Stern is the first person you see when you visit the Mitchell Regional Center, and she is a great representation of what the organization stands for.

“Kathy Stern is a very capable and organized go-getter who is a great asset to �ձ�av��Ƶ Extension” said Sara Bauder, extension field specialist. “She manages the office daily and always ensures things run smoothly.”

In her role, Stern oversees daily office tasks, facilitating a seamless workflow. Additionally, she often travels to help with events sponsored by field specialists, assists with programs, keeps detailed travel and accounting records, and is involved in training new employees.

“Kathy is regularly called upon to train new assistants at the regional centers. … They come out with a great sense of what needs to be done,” said Barbara Suderman, senior accountant for Ag Shared Services. She noted that Stern was filling in for two vacant assistant positions at the time of her nomination.

Stern is willing to take on extra work and keeps up a high level of performance. She is always available to help when there is a need for guidance and is a well-known resource for �ձ�av��Ƶ Extension employees.

“It took me no time at all to appreciate how well she does her job,” said Audrey Bollin, senior accountant for the Ag Shared Services Center. “She is one of the most conscientious and dependable people that I have ever worked with.”

Stern earned an Associate of Arts degree in office administration from Northern State College. She and her husband have four grown children and have lived in Mitchell for over 40 years. She enjoys playing the piano, gardening, being outdoors and watching her grandson play sports.

“I am very honored to be chosen the CSA February Employee of the Month,” Stern said. “I know there are many qualified candidates and appreciate this recognition by my co-workers. I truly enjoy the people I work with, both in our center and on campus, and want them to know their experience, assistance and advice has been invaluable to me over the years!”

All �ձ�av��Ƶ Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The Trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.