Interview with Ebony Adomanis

This week I am excited to be interviewing Ebony Adomanis. Ebony Adomanis, CAPM, CAP, PACE, is a certified administrative operations professional with over 25 years of experience in project support, organizational systems, and process improvement. She currently serves as a Project Administrator at Kimley-Horn and sits on the Advisory Boards for the Administrative Professionals Conference (ASAP) and the Admin Awards.

Ebony, with over 25 years in administrative operations, you've witnessed significant evolution in the administrative profession. What's one major shift you've observed that has most positively impacted the role, and how have you adapted your own approach?

One of the most powerful shifts has been the growing recognition that administrative professionals are not just “helpers”; we are operational leaders and strategic partners. I’ve seen more admins stepping into process improvement, change management, and cross-functional collaboration. I’ve adapted by deepening my focus on systems thinking and strategic alignment. I don’t just ask how I can support; I look at how to improve what’s already in place and build something that lasts.

You're a strong advocate for career path visibility for administrative professionals. What, in your opinion, is the biggest barrier to clear career progression for admins today, and what steps can individuals or organizations take to overcome it?

The biggest challenge is the lack of defined growth paths and consistent job structures. There’s often no clear ladder for advancement, which makes it difficult for administrative professionals to see where their role could lead them in the long term. That’s why I created #AdminOnPurpose—to spotlight the legitimacy of administrative careers and provide tools, language, and encouragement for admins to confidently own their journey. It’s about moving away from the “accidental assistant” narrative and into a place of intention and influence.

Organizations can support this by offering admin-specific development opportunities, leadership training, and role clarity across teams. But most importantly, they need to be willing to fully invest in their administrative support staff. If companies aren’t sure where to start, they can turn to resources like ASAP, IAAP, or even independent consultants who specialize in building administrative infrastructure. There’s a whole network of experts ready to help—what’s missing is the willingness to see admin support as a true strategic asset.

Serving on the Advisory Board for the Administrative Professionals Conference (ASAP) and the Admin Awards, you're actively shaping the future of the field. What's one key area of development or advocacy that you believe is most critical for admins in the next 3–5 years?

We need to build real infrastructure for admin success, not just recognition, but resources. That means career pathing, mentorship, succession planning, and better alignment with organizational goals. Admins are often the glue holding operations together, but glue isn’t scalable unless you give it structure. The next few years need to focus on creating sustainable systems for admin development, especially as more companies embrace hybrid work, cross-functional teams, and operational agility. Admins should be positioned not just to support those changes, but to lead them.

What's one emerging trend or technology that you believe will fundamentally change the administrative role in the coming years, and how should admins prepare?

AI and automation are game changers, no doubt about it. The tools are getting smarter, and they’re taking over the repetitive, manual tasks that used to fill our days. But instead of seeing that as a threat, we should see it as an opportunity. When the basics are automated, we get to focus on what really matters: improving systems, anticipating needs, and driving strategic outcomes. Admins should absolutely be learning these tools—but more importantly, we should be using the time they free up to grow into higher-value roles.

With your background in administrative operations and process improvement—especially with organizations like the Washington Commanders—how do you approach the planning and execution of large-scale or high-profile events to ensure operational excellence and minimize chaos?

I start with clarity. What does success look like? Who’s responsible for what? From there, I create a roadmap with timelines, backup plans, and communication touchpoints. But the real magic comes from building a team culture where people feel safe speaking up early and often. I believe in balancing structure with flexibility, because no matter how tight your plan is, something will change. And when it does, the goal is to make it look effortless. People don’t know what you had planned—only what they experience. So I always say: plan with confidence, adapt with grace, and lead with purpose. That’s how I organize chaos — strategically and on purpose.

__________________________________________________________________

Ebony Adomanis, CAPM, CAP, PACE

Project Administrator | Admin Advocate | Founder of #AdminOnPurpose

Ebony Adomanis, CAPM, CAP, PACE, is a certified administrative operations professional with over 25 years of experience in project support, organizational systems, and process improvement. She currently serves as a Project Administrator at Kimley-Horn and sits on the Advisory Boards for the Administrative Professionals Conference (ASAP) and the Admin Awards. Ebony holds credentials from the Project Management Institute and the American Society of Administrative Professionals, most recently earning her Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) to deepen her strategic and operational impact. As the founder of #AdminOnPurpose, Ebony advocates for career visibility, professional development, and intentional growth for administrative professionals. Her work focuses on developing sustainable systems that enhance both people and processes.

Connect with Ebony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonyadomanis/