Celebrating the administrative professionals of the Colorado River District
Behind every successful operation at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a team of dedicated administrative professionals who keep things running smoothly. These individuals juggle timekeeping, fleet management, budgeting, personnel coordination, and much more — often switching between multiple tasks in a single day.
In the Colorado River District (CRD), the administrative support staff plays a vital role in ensuring that public lands remain efficiently managed and accessible for both employees and visitors. Their efforts often go unnoticed, but their impact is the foundation of the BLM’s work.
Meet the administrative assistants who make it all happen.
Heidi Kuntz, a resourceful problem-solver
With three years at the BLM, Administrative Support Assistant Heidi Kuntz has embraced the challenge of learning and adapting to a broad range of responsibilities. She describes administrative professionals as generalists rather than specialists, covering everything from travel arrangements to fleet management.
“My favorite part of the job is coming to work,” she shares. “We’re like a family here, and we enjoy being together for a purpose — to protect our public lands for future generations.”
One of Heidi’s proudest accomplishments is her initiative to create a ‘Welcome to CRD’ email for new employees, providing valuable onboarding resources to help them adjust quickly.
Her advice to aspiring administrative professionals? “Never be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know.’ Use it as an opportunity to learn.”
When it comes to staying organized, Heidi relies on OneNote and a trusty notebook to track important information.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, and spending time with family.
Destry Siegfried, building engagement and morale
Bringing a decade of federal service experience, Administrative Support Assistant Destry Siegfried joined the BLM in March 2023 and quickly became an integral part of the CRD team.
“Administrative professionals do much more than answer phones and schedule meetings,” Destry explains. “We’re the backbone of the agency — supporting multiple departments, managing workflows, and ensuring seamless communication.”
She believes that adaptability, strong communication, and multitasking are essential to excelling in administrative work.
What is her advice to newcomers? “Develop strong organizational skills while remaining adaptable. Stay proactive and open to learning new tools and technologies.”
When she’s not at work, Destry enjoys outdoor recreation, attending her children’s sports activities, and spending time with family and friends.
Rhonda Presley-Hernandez, supporting wildland firefighters
Since February 2023, Administrative Support Assistant Rhonda Presley-Hernandez has provided critical administrative support, particularly for BLM wildland firefighters. Her work allows firefighters to focus on their essential duties — from combating wildfires to community education and conservation efforts.
“My role consists of a wide variety of responsibilities, some more complex than others,” Rhonda says. “I get satisfaction from knowing I can lighten the administrative load so firefighters can concentrate on their mission.”
She believes that attention to detail and the ability to multitask are key skills for success.
Her advice for aspiring administrative professionals? “Refine your technology skills, be flexible, and always be resourceful.”
Outside of work, Rhonda enjoys watching hockey and catching up with friends over dinner and drinks. She stays organized by prioritizing tasks to ensure maximum productivity.
Nic Hope, committed to knowledge and problem solving
With 20 years of federal service and two years at BLM, Administrative Support Assistant Nic Hope has quickly become a key member of the administrative support team. His career spans both military and civilian service, having previously served in the Utah Air National Guard before transitioning to federal administration.
Nic describes administrative work as being expected to know “a little bit about everything.”
“Our days can often be unpredictable,” he explains. “One minute, I’m working on utilization reports, then covering the front desk, then troubleshooting a fleet card issue, then helping someone book travel to Phoenix.”
One of Nic’s most rewarding moments came early in his BLM career when he helped an employee recoup over $2,000 in shift differential pay that had been overlooked.
His advice for those entering administrative work: "Read the manuals, handbooks, and CFRs. Always allow for gray areas — things change, and updates happen. Be professional, be kind, and always strive to be the coworker you'd want to have."
For staying organized, Nic swears by sticky notes, his Outlook calendar, and a personal “black book” for tracking essential tasks.
Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, camping, and spending time with his wife and three daughters. Though he hasn’t had the chance to fish or camp since moving to Lake Havasu, it remains on his to-do list.
Holly Norred, supporting BLM law enforcement rangers
With five years at BLM, including two and a half in her current role, Mission Support Technician Holly Norred has made significant contributions to improving administrative processes.
She describes administrative work as demanding but rewarding and notes that adaptability, patience, and initiative are essential traits.
One of Holly’s proudest accomplishments is working with the BLM’s National Operations Center Travel Team to ensure BLM Law Enforcement personnel are able to travel rapidly to respond to emergencies. Her advice to newcomers? "Give it time. It may seem overwhelming at first, but you'll find your rhythm."
To stay productive, Holly relies on calendar reminders, particularly for deadlines.
Outside of work, she enjoys gardening.
Rich Thornton, wearing many hats
With 15 years of federal service and two years in his current role, Administrative Support Assistant Rich Thornton knows firsthand how administrative professionals juggle multiple responsibilities.
"People don't always realize how many different ‘hats’ we wear in this job," Rich says. "There’s always something to do, and most of our responsibilities come with strict deadlines to ensure compliance with regulations."
One of his favorite aspects of the role is interacting with people — both within BLM and with external partners. Whether he’s troubleshooting an issue, processing paperwork, or assisting a colleague, he finds satisfaction in being able to help others accomplish their assignments.
For Rich, the keys to success in administrative work are strong organization and multitasking skills.
His advice for those considering a career in administration. “Be flexible and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You have to be a critical thinker and be able to re-prioritize when needed.”
To stay productive, Rich relies on a daily and weekly task list to keep track of responsibilities. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, cooking, and watching sports.
A team that keeps the Colorado River District running
The administrative professionals of the Colorado River District may work behind the scenes, but their efforts are felt across every department. From onboarding new employees to supporting frontline personnel to serving the public, their work ensures that BLM’s mission to protect and manage public lands remains strong.
Each member of this team brings unique strengths and perspectives, proving that administrative professionals are not just support staff — they are the foundation that keeps everything moving forward.
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