In 1986, Mark Chandler accompanied his cousin to a Civil Service Test, an act of familial support that unexpectedly led to a career at the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO). Although he did not have a formal job application, Chandler decided to take the test, which led to a significant interaction with Brenda Squirrell, a Human Capital Specialist, who saw potential in his decision.
"I hadn’t even filled out a job application," Chandler said, as noted in a recent social media post by the GPO, recalling the chain of events that led to his job offer, "It was Ms. Squirrell who encouraged me to come in and apply anyway. I did, and ultimately, that landed me the supply clerk position in Laurel." It was noted that both Chandler and Squirrell have remained at GPO.
GPO's account of Chandler's career beginnings offers insight into the personal histories of its employees, highlighting the human aspect of an organization often associated with bureaucracy and formal procedures.
