We have always been committed to providing the highest levels of service for our clients each day. Yet a key part of our success is that we are always laying the groundwork for future prosperity — for our firm and for our clients.

Critical to that forward-thinking mission is finding, hiring and grooming promising young talent like Tatiana Alston. She joined G.S. Proctor, Inc., in late 2019, fresh out of college and currently has the dual roles of Government Relations Specialist and Legislative Assistant to the Vice President.

Her passion and drive are incredible. She works hard, she’s eager to learn and she has very quickly become an integral part of our team at G.S. Proctor & Associates. Read the brief Q&A below to get to know Tatiana and see a glimpse of our bright future.

How long have you worked for G.S. Proctor & Associates?
I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in December 2019, earning a double major in Political Science, with a concentration in civil rights, and Africana Studies. I then began working at G.S.Proctor & Associates, Inc., in February 2020, just over a month and a half before the pandemic.

What gets you excited to start work each day?
Firstly, I am filled with gratitude and blessed to be working with such exceptionally gifted
people. G.S. Proctor & Associates has provided me the opportunity to work in such an
interconnected environment that I have never had the pleasure to experience before.

Secondly, I am beyond ecstatic that each day, I get to wake up and work with our
amazing clientele and community members, while working on numerous projects that
have meaningful impacts that ripple throughout every facet of our social world.

Overall I am just thankful that I am able to combine my work and passion for creating
systemic change.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Since I recently graduated college in December of 2019, I would say working here at
G.S. Proctor and adapting to the ever changing virtual/pandemic world has been an
amazing accomplishment, in itself. Additionally, I treasure the opportunity I had to speak
at a Black Lives Matter rally in Washington D.C.

In your view, what makes G.S. Proctor & Associates such a successful firm?
I believe that what makes G.S. Proctor & Associates successful is first and foremost our
ability to bring forth value to our clients and community members. Our president, Steve
Proctor, successfully intertwines his leadership with meaningful relationships through
building and fostering relationships with ease. He truly is an integral part of why our firm
is as amazing as it is.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to wear many hats: I love creating digital artwork, dancing,
listening to music and creating choreography, while spending time with my family and
friends. I also love anything to do with Harry Potter!

Best advice you were ever given?
The best professional advice I was ever given was to “bring value” and to “embrace
failure.” As bringing value to the forefront allows people to, in return, feel valued. Which
fosters long-lasting relationships and allows the opportunity to exceed expectations.

Embracing failure is just as valuable as, if not more valuable than embracing success.
Continuing the effort of starting over or possessing the ability to learn and decide a new
route is paramount in a successful career.

What are you most looking forward to doing now that pandemic restrictions are easing?
When the world finally reopens, I am looking forward to traveling. More specifically I’m
looking forward to being able to celebrate my birthday this August in Las Vegas! I am
also looking forward to going to entertainment events (I’ve missed them so much) and
of course seeing my friends and family again!

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.