The Navy HR and EEO community awards program was established to recognize Navy employees for their accomplishments and contributions that resulted in exceptional improvement to services or practices in the HR and EEO community.  There are 10 award categories with more than 100 nominations submitted.

Sarah Roberts earned recognition for her dynamic and effective 38-year career in federal service.  Although she was aware of the nomination, winning the award was still unexpected.

“I was surprised…and very honored,” she said.  “There are so many great people and great leaders in the HR community, so I knew the competition would be tough.”

Roberts began her federal career as a summer hire at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay at the age of 16.  From a GS-00 clerk, she worked her way across five federal agencies, 23 states, and 8 countries.

“Serving on the four overseas assignments in Korea and Japan are some of my favorite memories.  Experiencing so many cultures around the world has been an exciting aspect of my career.”

She is currently a GS-15 HR Director as well as carrying the secondary title of Deputy Total Force Management Director at Navy Region Southeast.  Previous leadership positions included:  Director, Civilian Personnel Programs at Commander Navy Installations Command overseeing 122,000 customers with a $47 million budget, Department Head and Head of Personnel Management Evaluations Division servicing 30,000 customers at Human Resources Service Center Southeast, Deputy EEO Officer to three U.S. Marine Corps Commanding Generals, and HR Director for two Navy regions.

Three Meritorious Civilian Service Awards, a Superior Civilian Service Award and numerous “Outstanding” performance awards attest to her skill and commitment to excellence. Roberts attributes her success to a great work ethic instilled in her by her mother, and great mentors and leaders throughout her career.

Although the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award, her career is by no means over.  She finds providing services to the Region, CNIC, and Navy missions “appealing” and has no plans to stop.

“I want to continue to provide the best possible service to our Navy team, and to mentor, coach and develop our workforce of the future,” she emphasized.

Although only her most recent command, Roberts has established a high benchmark of success at Navy Region Southeast.  She instituted some of the Region’s first strategic workforce/succession planning initiatives for better advanced planning for the replacement of the workforce.  The team’s efforts significantly contributed to reducing the hiring timeline by 27% over a three-year period.  Roberts also directed improvements in the EEO program and processes, which resulted in more expeditious processing of EEO cases reducing command liability by millions of dollars in potential sanctions. Additionally, she oversaw the HRO level development of over 30 HR interns providing talented and skilled professionals for the future of DON HR.

“Sarah’s experience and innovation are impressive. She uses her extensive knowledge and background to bring unique solutions to workplace issues,” Rear Adm. Gary Mayes, Commander, Navy Region Southeast said.  “As a result, she’s developed a well-trained, efficient team that significantly improved our processes and services throughout the region, a win both for the Region and, most importantly, our workforce.  I know without a doubt that Sarah is most deserving of this recognition.”