Title: Secretary (Retired), Board of Zoning Appeals,

Company: Town of Brookhaven

Location: Farmingville, N.Y.

Throughout 51 years of professional administrative work, Rae Westerlund has found her success always stemmed from the specific way she manages people. Prior to her retirement, she was the secretary for the Board of Zoning Appeals for the Town of Brookhaven for 24 years. Ms. Westerlund became involved in her profession because she always enjoyed working in the government sector.

While working, Ms. Westerlund was responsible for managing all the daily operations for the town’s Board of Appeals. She also oversaw the public relations, legal advertising, and applications for variances and permits. She also mentored the staff. Currently, Ms. Westerlund keeps in contact with her community and neighborhood development duties through her membership with the North Shore chapter of the Red Hat Society.