The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Helen’s award tops off career as a leading PA
Lon g-serving Aberdeen PA Helen Fitzpatrick has scooped a prestigious award in recognition of almost four decades of service.
She was named as the first ever recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the annual Scottish PA Awards, held in association with Hays Personal& Executive Assistants.
The awards aim to recognise talent within the profession in Scotland, and winners were announced via a recent online virtual awards ceremony.
Helen joined the team at The Skene Group in 1983 in the role of executive secretary to the directors and she is now PA to chairman professor Charles Skene. Having clocked up almost 40 years with the company, Helen is par t of a team which bucks the trend in having several members of staff whose length of service ranges from 20 to 37 years.
Helen returned to work when her youngest child started school in 1982.
Initially she worked as a temp in various oil companies including Conoco and Marathon.
She started work with The Skene Group in 1983 at the age of 34 and her title was executive secretary.
She cites her involvement as administrator of the Skene Young Entrepreneurs Award for 18 years as a career highlight.
Helen served as administrator of the Skene Award at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and also set up Skene House’ s Partner Restaurant scheme.
Helen said her favourite thing about her job is its diversity.
She said: “You’re not just sitting in an office, you’re meeting people from different backgrounds and a range of interests.
“I am honoured to receive this award and I hope that others might be inspired to explore the exciting and fulfilling opportunities which exist within our profession.”
Mr Skene said: “As all of us continue to navigate turbulent and uncertain times, we are particularly grateful to Helen and so many other members of our staff for their hard work.”
Scottish PA Network director Rosemary McLennan said :“The judges recognised Helen’s ability to think strategically, adapt to change and demonstrate excellence and the highest standards of professionalism consistently throughout her career.”