JULIE M. HAGENSEN

My best days in public service: when I see an employee’s eyes light up over finding an innovative approach to a difficult problem, or when a tribal leader thanks me for help in tackling a tricky environmental issue.
Once a dairy farmer called me with praise for one of my inspectors. “Although I don’t relish a visit from the U.S. government,” he said, “your guy was professional and fair. He took the time to explain to me and my son how our practices were harming the environment.”
Over the years I found rewarding challenges everywhere I went—in Seattle, in Washington, D.C., and as director of our Washington state field office. What I discovered 30 years ago, I still see today: opportunities to solve problems, collaborate with partners, lead people and achieve results.
The best days are when I see us advancing our environmental protection mission by applying our creativity, compassion and commitment.
Hagensen is assistant regional administrator for management programs for the Environmental Protection Agency in Seattle.

FedLine Home | Permalink | May 4th, 2009