Mar
31

Central Services Assistant Bill Blandy is retiring.

After 37 years and a lifetime of dedication to the Smithsonian’s Office of Visitor Services, Bill Blandy is retiring as Central Services Assistant, effective March 31.

 

portrait of Blandy

Bill Blandy, Central Services Assistant for the Office of Visitor Services (photo courtesy OVS)

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”

—Maya Angelou

Bill Blandy began his career with the Smithsonian on Oct. 3, 1980. He served under six Smithsonian Secretaries; shared in the celebrations for the openings of seven Smithsonian museums; and supported the growth of Smithsonian volunteer programs, which reached more than 6,000 volunteers in 2011.

On March 31, 2018, a man full of experience and knowledge will leave behind an incomparable legacy at the Smithsonian. Bill will, for the last time, send the “Today at the Smithsonian” volunteer schedule to Volunteer Coordinators, assist Visitor Information Specialist Volunteers calling Central Services, wrap up scheduling for the museum information desk, sign an ID Badge renewal form, report maintenance for a digital interactive in the Visitor Center, and help visitors plan their day.

“Bill’s unconditional dedication, grace, and congeniality will be deeply missed but we can only feel happy for him after many years of service,”” said OVS director Sherri Wheeler. “His contributions have been integral to the success and continuity of the office.”

While Bill intends to travel and relax during retirement, his first priority is to sleep late on Saturday for the first time in almost 40 years. We will miss Bill’s smile, his laugh, and his genuine kindness. He is not only retiring from a position or role, but as a valued and appreciated team player, colleague, and friend. It has been our pleasure to know and work with him. We wish him the best on the next steps of his journey.

Related posts:

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Posted: 31 March 2018
About the Author:

Kristina Hamilton has been with the Office of Visitor Services since 2016, serving as the Volunteer Recruitment and Retention assistant. Cars, football, and Great Danes take up much of Kris’ free time. Avid car enthusiasts, Kris and her husband spend their summers working on their cars or taking them to the track with their ‘road dogs’ Shadow and Brodie.

2 Responses to Central Services Assistant Bill Blandy is retiring.
    • Ellen Henry
      April 20, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    • Bill made my volunteer days so much fun! I was a volunteer Castle docent and he was so supportive. I wish him the very best!

    • Pamela Henson
      February 28, 2018 at 4:23 pm

    • Bill has been a great colleague all these years and really enhanced our visitor services and volunteer training. He will be greatly missed. Pam Henson