CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Tamra Goodall has always looked for an opportunity to excel.

Now she is. The 48-year-old Teays Valley resident took over as president of the International Association of Administrative Professionals in July at its annual meeting in Montreal.

IAAP is a not-for-profit association for office professionals. There are about 28,000 members and affiliates, with almost 600 chapters worldwide.

"It's an extreme honor. I'm highly honored by my peers to be elected to this position and lead this organization," she said.

Goodall serves as the coordinator of educational services for the West Virginia Hospital Association.

As president of the IAAP, she will serve as fiduciary, chief executive officer and official spokesperson.

Goodall has been involved with the organization since 1995. She has served in a variety of positions in the Charleston chapter, the West Virginia division and on the district and international levels. She is the second woman from the area to serve as IAAP president.

"It's really about the journey I've been on as a leader," she said.

She got involved with the group to earn certifications. She became a certified professional secretary in 1997 and certified administrative professional in 2001.

"I met ladies who were members of the organization, and they invited me to a local chapter meeting, and I was hooked," she said.