Carla Nelson named Administrative Professional of the Year
Carla Nelson is the winner of the 2025 Pantex Administrative Professional of the Year Award.
It’s nearly impossible to overestimate the influence administrative professionals have in the workplace. Solving problems, keeping teams organized, and wrangling schedules are just a few of the many daily tasks these professionals take on – often with little to no accolades.
Every year, Pantex celebrates administrative assistants by recognizing their achievements and contributions. This year, Carla Nelson, senior support for both Environment, Safety, and Health, and Infrastructure and Modernization, was announced as the 2025 Administrative Professional of the Year.
“Carla’s dedication is exemplified by her willingness to support these many groups and she does so with the best of attitudes,” said Harry Gulley, Environment, Safety, and Health division director. “If you ask her coworkers, you will hear the same replies — on-time, hard-working, sets the example, and dedicated. What would we do without her?”
Nelson started at Pantex in 2018 as a division training officer and transferred to her current role in 2021. She has also been serving as a telephone operator in the Emergency Response Organization for many years.
“Carla is always thinking of the employees and how to help them get their jobs done effectively and efficiently,” said Jimmy Rogers, executive officer for Environment, Safety, and Health. “She is here to make Pantex successful. She is never too busy to come in person and discuss a problem or request and never issues a final answer of ‘I don't know.’”
Rogers said that on top of all the incredible tasks she accomplishes with exceptional professionalism every day, she is always helping train others. Not to mention, it is in Carla’s nature to keep up with birthdays, make cookies, and work to keep team morale high.
“She truly cares and takes the time to mentor others to ensure each division is successful in their contribution to the Pantex mission,” Rogers said.
To Nelson, an administrative professional plays a key role in enhancing operational efficiency, providing customer service, and contributing to the overall success of the organization. She’s part of the glue that helps hold her organizations together.
“Embracing my heart for service has helped me become more open-minded, a better listener, a team player, and an independent worker, which I think makes me a better Pantex citizen,” Nelson said. “Working in the profession has also provided me with proof that I can be resourceful, organized, and professional.”
When she found out she was being recognized, Nelson immediately felt gratitude to her nominating managers, Harry Gulley and Jimmy Rogers, and the judges.
“My success is a direct result of the collaboration and support of my team and colleagues, who I want to thank as well,” Nelson said. “When you love what you do and have great leaders surrounding you, coming to work is enjoyable.”