One great thing about the work we do is that we get to know so many incredibly talented people across the many industries that we serve along with our clients. And every so often, the perfect opportunity arises to bring one of those incredibly talented people onto our team.

That was the case with Michelle Goodwin, who joined us as an associate last fall after a prestigious career at the College of Southern Maryland. To no one’s surprise, she has become an exceptional asset to our team and our clients. 

She is dedicated and detail-oriented. She brings big ideas and is always ready to identify the solutions that work best for all parties involved. We hope you’ll take a moment to get to know her better in this brief Q&A.

How long have you worked for G.S. Proctor & Associates?
In September, it will be one year serving on the G.S. Proctor team. Last June, I took an early retirement from the College of Southern Maryland after 23 years of service. I took two months off and then joined G.S. Proctor & Associates. 

What gets you excited to start work each day?
I love our GSP Team. They are a high-performing group of individuals with super and diverse talents! And I love the various clients we support and the various projects we deal with daily. 

We work on impactful projects in many different sectors — education, energy, transportation, healthcare, and economic development. It feels good to advance the mission of our clients while providing the services and infrastructure needed for our communities. We always go after the win/win outcome! 

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Wow … I am more of a forward-thinking person, so I don’t really contemplate this much. I am always looking for the next fun and impactful projects. Finding resources to help others advance is what I like best, particularly resource development. For example, raising funds for scholarships, new buildings, new programs and advocating for others. I know that these projects have lasting impact. 

In your view, what makes G.S. Proctor & Associates such a successful firm?
The many years and hard work, leadership and integrity of Steve and Dianne Proctor and the people they choose to work with. Our GSP team is phenomenal and fun. It’s all about people. And, I especially love that G.S. Proctor & Associates volunteers and supports many in the communities we serve. They strongly believe in service to others.

Best advice you were ever given?
Just do the next right thing, no matter what others are doing or are saying because you have to love yourself first. 

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Travel, hike, swim, eat, make new relationships and spend time with friends and family. I really like people, and that’s where I get my energy.

What are you most looking forward to doing now that pandemic restrictions are easing?
Hugging people, laughing, telling stories and spending time with family and friends.

The G.S. Proctor & Associates team just got even stronger.

We are excited to welcome Monroe Harrison as our newest associate, and we can’t wait to see him bring his three decades of public affairs experience and countless local connections to benefit our clients.

Most recently, Monroe served for more than 13 years as the Director of Public Affairs for Gaylord Hotels at National Harbor. Through our work with The Gaylord, we’ve gotten to know Monroe as he played an instrumental role in establishing it as a premier destination in our region. 

“Joining an organization that is highly respected and recognized for the great work they do for their clients while also focused on being a good corporate citizen checks all of the boxes for this stage of my career,” he said. “It is exciting to know I will be a member of the team working hard on behalf of clients in a variety of industries to reach their goals and for the greater good of the community.”

Monroe was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi. He’s a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he also played football for the Crimson Tide from 1988 to 1991. Prior to his time with Gaylord Hotels, he also spent 13 years growing his career through various positions with Hughes Supply in Orlando, Florida.

Wherever he has been Monroe has been an extremely active and engaged member of the community. 

Here in our region, he has served on the Prince George’s Community College Executive Advisory Board for Hospitality and Tourism Institute, he’s been Executive Committee Member on the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association, as well as a member of the Prince George’s County Conventions and Visitor Bureau, and the Prince George’s County Community Foundation Board. He was appointed by the governor to the Maryland Tourism Development Board. Monroe is also a graduate of Leadership Prince George’s County, Leadership Greater Washington and Leadership Maryland.

“While at the Gaylord, I’ve seen firsthand G.S. Proctor & Associates representing the hotel’s interests for many years,” he said. “It is exciting to know I will be a member of the team working hard on behalf of clients in a variety of industries to reach their goals and for the greater good of the community.”