Over her seven years at G.S. Proctor & Associates, we’ve learned that Erica Queen can do just about anything.
From maintaining office operations and coordinating events to technical support and digital design, she does so much for our team and our clients. She takes pride in her work and tackles every challenge before her with a thoughtful, detailed approach that ensures excellence.
We don’t know what we would do without her, and we are so grateful to have her on our side. Read the Q&A to get to know Erica better. You’ll see why she is such an important member of the G.S. Proctor & Associates team.
What is your current position at G.S. Proctor & Associates?
I am currently the Legislative Administrator at G.S. Proctor & Associates, Inc., where I also operate as the Executive Assistant to the President. As the Legislative Administrator, I am responsible for maintaining all main office operations and coordinating key events and activities for the Executive Team. I ensure the smooth running of our company’s offices, acting as a liaison between our President, Associates, suppliers, and clients. I manage agendas, plan travel arrangements, and schedule appointments for the Executive Team.
In addition to maintaining office operations, I also provide technical support for the firm, installing, configuring, and maintaining hardware and software. I also assist with troubleshooting issues across multiple platforms and media devices, and identify hardware and software solutions.
I also enjoy blending my personal interests and passions for both interior and digital design with my career. I play a huge role in the design and development of our firm’s print and digital marketing materials, and digital presentations. Some past projects that I have worked on include redesigning our company brochure, website, main office lobby, and conference room.
Overall, I wear multiple hats and I am always glad to assist wherever I am needed.
How long have you worked for G.S. Proctor & Associates?
I have been working at G.S. Proctor and Associates for 7 years. I began working part time in 2014 and officially joined the team in 2015 as an Office Assistant, helping with various administrative tasks and supporting our Associate Team. In 2017, I was promoted to Legislative Administrator, collaborating closely with our President, keeping track of firm deliverables, and monitoring assigned tasks and individual responsibilities.
In your view, what makes G.S. Proctor & Associates such a successful firm?
Knowing that everyone’s role is truly important is one of the keys to our success. We all come from diverse backgrounds and bring something different to the table, and that makes us stronger as a team. Steve takes an interest in everyone’s personal lives, strengths, and talents. It’s great to follow a president that not only cares about our clients, but also getting to know everyone on the team as well. I consider myself fortunate to have found an organization that fits nicely with who I am as a person and that shares similar values.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to your work?
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have found a career that makes me look forward to coming into the office every day, and that positively affects the world around me. I have always lived in the Southern Maryland area, and it has been amazing seeing it evolve over the years. I feel that our firm is truly making a difference in the community, the community that my parents grew up in, the community that I grew up in, and the community that my future kids will experience too. I light up when I happen to pass a new project that our team is working on because it’s exciting to be a part of that.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud to be the first female in my family to graduate from a four-year college. The moment I stepped foot on campus, I made a promise to myself that I would put in the work, not only to graduate, but to graduate with honors.
My parents have always been avid supporters of having a good education. They encourage me to set personal goals for myself and to pursue what makes me happy. After four years, I accomplished my goal. I graduated, Magna Cum Laude, in the top ten percent of my graduating class, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Media. The knowledge and experiences that I gained on campus have given me several skills that I continue to use today. This has afforded me many opportunities, including leading me to be a part of the largest minority-owned lobbying firm in Maryland.
Best advice you were ever given?
That’s a really difficult question. There are so many people that have had a huge influence on my life and given me great advice. At the moment, I would say, “seek first to understand and then to be understood”. There are times where I may not agree with someone, but I will respectfully listen to them and try to understand their perspective. I believe that it’s important to be able to adjust the lens on how we see the world, and to be able to learn from other points of view.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I love traveling to new places with my camera gear. It brings me joy capturing the world around me and sharing my experiences through photography and videography. It’s fun creating video montages and slideshows that mean something to me and that have a positive impact on others.
Now that pandemic restrictions are easing, what are you most looking forward to doing?
Honesty, it’s been a difficult year being unable to physically spend time with my loved ones. I enjoy spending time laughing and joking with my family and friends. I miss the little things like going to Starbucks on Saturday mornings, visiting my parents for Sunday dinner, celebrating birthdays together, and going on big family vacations with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. There are so many people who have lost loved ones last year, including myself, and it really puts things into perspective. I’m looking forward to spending time with my loved ones and making great memories this year.