Tiffany House

Tiffany House is the lead budget analyst for NOAA's Air Resources Laboratory, where she is responsible for providing technical and administrative support in all phases of budget formulation and execution in accordance with the Appropriations Law. She has responsibility for the proper management of funding and maintains the integrity of program funding.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I gain a sense of accomplishment when I resolve problems and seek new ways to improve program efficiency, but the aspect of my work that I enjoy most is working with the people. I love the passion that the scientists in my office have for their work; it’s almost tangible. I really enjoy getting people together for lunch or holiday parties. It’s extremely meaningful for an office to increase employee morale, and I’m all about making the office I’m in better.

What does success mean to you? 

Success means never giving up; always moving forward, never backwards; and going above and beyond the call of duty. I don’t believe in doing just enough — to be successful you have to do more than what is expected of you. Thomas Jefferson said, "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." This has been true for me throughout my career.

What was the best advice ever given to you that helped you become successful? 

Don’t be afraid to ask for what I want and be prepared to support whatever it is I am asking for.

What’s been your favorite (or proudest) moment in your career so far? 

My favorite moment is also my scariest moment. I was the co-chair of the National Ocean Service/National Geodetic Survey’s People Committee and they asked me to speak in front of about 200 people, to explain the purpose of the committee and our goals. I am terrified of public speaking, but I have heard that, “what we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.” After my speech I received so much praise and people even said I was funny. Shortly after, I received the 2010 Team Member of the Year Award for my outstanding contributions to the National Geodetic Survey’s People Committee. 

Looking back, what would you tell yourself when you were 12 years old? Or what advice would you give to a woman just starting out in her career?

To my 12-year-old self: Don’t give up. Things will get better. To the woman just starting out in her career: Ask for more, do more, be more — and you will become more. Don’t be afraid to step out; in order to get noticed you have to be uncomfortable and continuously push yourself out of your comfort zone.