Employee Responses to "Why do you work here?"

What makes this a great place to work are my colleagues; without them, it's just a place to work. With them, it's a place to work that's stimulating, challenging, and, yes, fun, too!

Andres Curtolo, Senior Project Analyst

Personally, I like the challenges that my job poses on a daily basis. The mystique associated with the Fed is something I enjoy being a part of. There is a little extra pride I take in saying that I work for the Federal Reserve Bank.

Beki Bolivar Jaramillo, Custodian

My position as a custodian gives me the opportunity to provide a pleasant and clean environment for all of the professional personnel who work in each department.

Bruce Ito, Associate Community Affairs Specialist

I work in the Community Affairs unit, which helps ensure that the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is implemented in the Twelfth District. As a former social worker, I appreciate the spirit of the CRA and the dedication of those who work to implement it.

Charles Kang, Project Analyst

When I began my career at the Federal Reserve four years ago I knew it was (and still is) a cornerstone and the economic nervous system of this country. It would have been foolish not to work for one of the most durable and constant institutions in the U.S.

Danny Ramos, Operations Specialist

I love the challenge, job security, good benefits, and retirement plans.

Diane Rosenberger, Research Librarian

Interesting work - what librarians do today is nothing like what I learned in school - and always new challenges, an excellent manager, and wonderful colleagues.

Because it satisfies these important needs for me: security, recognition, and sense of family. I've worked here nearly 30 years, worked hard, been recognized and rewarded for those efforts, and have made friends that I consider part of my extended family. The work/life balance has been there for me when I needed it.

Jim LeVoir, Manager

Because the Fed's bottom line isn't necessarily about dollars and cents. Ours is a public policy bottom line. Everything we do is, or should be, ultimately designed to produce a long-term positive impact on our nation's economy. It's a huge responsibility, but it's tremendously satisfying.

Jimmy Kamada, Director

First, I feel good about the role the Federal Reserve plays in monetary policy, financial services, and in the regulation and supervision of the banking industry. Second, Fed employees are dedicated and hard-working. Third, I've worked in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle, and have responsibilities in Portland and Salt Lake City, and I've met a lot of nice people.

Kate Wheatman, Communications Specialist

My work is interesting and challenging to me. I wholeheartedly appreciate working in an environment where excellence is expected, and my coworkers are great - smart, conscientious, ethical, and considerate.

Kathryn Lawrence, Manager

The Federal Reserve is extremely diverse in its employee base and has a dynamic approach to management development, which makes this a fascinating and ever-changing place to work.

Lena Robinson, Community Affairs Specialist

The Fed represents many things that I am proud to be associated with. Two that stand out are integrity and intellectual excellence, which make me want to give of my very best. It is wonderful to work in an environment where my colleagues are not just very smart, but also creative and friendly.

We are always conscious of the role of the Fed in the U.S. and world economies, and everyone here wants to do the right thing. I believe our motivation isn't based on personal gain as much as it is on our ability to contribute to the greater good.

Lowell Bethel, Protection Officer

My sense of fulfillment comes from knowing that my job matters. This is the best job I've ever had because of the quality, integrity, and professionalism of my fellow Fed team employees.

Mary Ann Clause, Staff Assistant

One of my reasons is inspiring team leadership. Getting the job done together. A sense of personal and group pride at the end of each day, because we achieved. Everybody wins.

Mary Wujek, Director

The Fed plays a critical role stabilizing the underpinnings of our trust: our ability to perform basic transactions. I'm proud to support that effort.

Melissa Jaffe, Public Affairs Specialist

I work here because each day I meet another employee who becomes a role model by demonstrating integrity in actions and words. While all the employees are extremely busy, people take the time to catch up in the cafeteria lines or in the hallways with one another - even the highest-level officers.

Philip B Johnson, Manager

Recently coming from an entrepreneurial background, I was somewhat concerned about a large organization such as the Fed having tolerance for risk, innovation, and independent thinking. In the two years I have been here I have been consistently challenged and, when successful, rewarded for accomplishing just these things. Suffice it to say, I have been more than pleasantly surprised.

I work with very intelligent people who have a minimum of one degree, oftentimes two, and some are working on a third. Many people here speak two, three, and more languages fluently, and we have a diverse ethnic staff that gives one a chance to learn about different people and cultures. Add to this the fascinating world of finance and the global economy. In other words, it's a wonderful place to be employed.

Rita Chargualaf, Vault Teller

I work here because of the challenges and the gratification. It's challenging because every day is a new learning adventure different from my past work experiences. Also, it's meaningful and fulfilling because we serve the public and are able to establish a sense of community contribution.

Stanley Mills, Building Technician

The Bank provides an environment where each day is different; one can say Building Services is anything but routine. The importance of keeping the environment to such high standards rests upon the building technicians. You'll not find a more diverse and talented bunch than the Los Angeles crew. We take lots of pride in seeing the results of our work.

Steve Derahian, Operations Analyst

I can sum up why I work here in eight simple words: "Service is our duty; quality is our goal," or, on a more personal note, "Service is my duty; quality is my goal."

Stuart Vandel, Examiner

I don't come to work at the Fed every day; rather, I come on a part-time schedule. The other days I stay home with our two young children. This flexibility that the Fed offers and the chance to work for our central bank with its talented people are the reasons I like coming to work here - and sometimes you just gotta get out of the house!

Susan Sutherland, Senior Vice President

I work at the Fed for several reasons which are very

much interrelated: I am always learning and being challenged, both intellectually as well as professionally; I'm surrounded by smart, engaged, and engaging people; and, together, we make a difference in a unique, fascinating, and very important organization. I'm proud to be a part of all that!

Todd Glissman, Group Vice President

I continue to work at the San Francisco Fed because I have been blessed to work in a variety of roles under inspired leadership who are willing to take risks to make a difference in ways that improve our global, national, and regional banking environment and to improve the benefits for all of us working here.

Travis Hallett, Protection Department

I like working in Protection, and it's a great honor and privilege to have helped to open the Phoenix Processing Center. I am very proud and honored to be here, and I continue to work and strive for excellence to make the people who gave me a chance in the Federal Reserve System proud of me and my accomplishments.