Her Story
About Pam
Pam Handor retired in March 2024 after a distinguished career spanning more than 41 years at Bacto. She began in human resources management, focusing on employee welfare from hiring through departure, before transitioning to safety management on construction sites. As site manager and program manager for the Department of Energy's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), she guided her team from Merit to the Star of Excellence Safety Award in 2015. Handor developed an innovative online annual review system in the 2003-2004 timeframe using her Six Sigma certification, which was later institutionalized company-wide. She also trained personnel across the United States on a new SAP human resources management system following its implementation. Born and raised in Kenya, East Africa, Handor earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Cambridge through the British school system and holds certifications in human resources management and Six Sigma. She continues to serve on the board of an environmental management company under the Department of Energy and volunteers extensively, including at a local hospital two days per week, Three Square food bank, and the annual DOE Science Ball for seven years.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Pam
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
If you have an idea, go ahead and submit it. Always think out of the box. Do not be afraid to make your needs known to your supervisor. Do not go to your manager with complaints; come up with solutions instead.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Work really hard because the results of your work will speak for themselves. Be on time. For college hires, have a development plan with 3-month and 6-month goals and discuss with your manager to identify steps to the next level.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Recognition and appreciation motivated continued hard work. In personal life, time with family and creating lasting memories through experiences like cruises are most valuable, along with living in the moment.
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