Gerette Balon

Gerette Balon is a dedicated federal public servant, human resources professional, and community engagement leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to supporting people, strengthening organizations, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. As an Executive Assistant and Office Manager at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the U.S. Department of Commerce, she provides high-level administrative, operational, and human resources support to the Materials Measurement Laboratory while serving as Chair of the NIST Community Building Group, a volunteer employee organization that promotes employee well-being, collaboration, and professional development across multiple campuses. Through her leadership, she has helped build stronger workplace connections, streamline administrative processes, and cultivate an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered.

Before joining NIST, Gerette built nearly two decades of public service experience through roles in special education, labor representation, office management, and customer service. She served as a Special Education Paraprofessional with Montgomery County Public Schools, represented employees as an Elected Service Representative for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and spent nearly a decade managing operations for a technology company. These diverse experiences provided her with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, employee advocacy, conflict resolution, and administrative excellence. Her career has consistently centered on supporting individuals, improving workplace operations, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Committed to lifelong learning and servant leadership, Gerette is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management with a minor in Cybersecurity at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where she serves as President of the university's Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) student chapter. She has also earned a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace certification, reinforcing her dedication to building equitable and inclusive organizations. Recognized by colleagues for her resilience, compassion, and collaborative leadership, Gerette continues to champion employee engagement, community outreach, and organizational development. Her philosophy is rooted in transparency, respect, and meaningful service, believing that strong communities and thriving workplaces are built through authentic relationships, continuous learning, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.