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NGST's Kathy Escamilla is one of approximately 100 Nat Geo staffers that made the move from the 1125 building to the Society's maincampus. Photo by Leah Jereb.

Becoming One National Geographic: NatGeo Staffers Move from 1125 to the MainCampusWelcome Back Our NGST, Brand Marketing, Social Media,Database/Analytics and Email Marketing ColleaguesBY LEAH JEREB WASHINGTON, DC WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

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For the approximately 100 Nat Geo employees who have made the move from the 1125 17th Street

building back to the main campus this week, spring cleaning has taken on a completely new meaning.

Opening the door to the sixth floor of the 1125 offices last week, stacked boxes lined the pathway to

empty cubicles and offices.

Entering into Kathy Escamilla’s office, boxes filled with files and photos tower overhead, waiting to be

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taken to their new home. Kathy, NGST’s Director of Client Services, has worked for the Society for 32

years, with 15 years spent in the 1125 17th Street location.

Although apart from the main Society offices for the past decade and a half, Kathy says that it has been

a great experience. “It’s made our team closer,” she said about the NGST team working in 1125. “I’m

glad we’re all moving together.”

With the Help Desk receiving over 450 help requests per week, the move will benefit the Society in many

ways, including improved efficiency. Tom Jackson, NGST’s Help Desk Manager, pointed out the “inherent

difficulties in operating an ‘in-house’ support group from down the street.”

Nat Geo employees in need of technical assistance now have the option to head over to the Help Desk’s

new walk-up kiosk on the 6th floor of the M Street building. In comparison to its previous location, the

Help Desk will now be more accessible and house tech supplies frequently requested by Nat Geo

employees.

The efforts to coordinate and execute the move were greater than some expected. Dan Backer, VP of

Information Technology, says that the move has given him “an appreciation of the work that it takes to

get this thing done.” Dan has worked at Nat Geo for 10 years, all of which he has spent in the 1125

building.

Other teams making the move to back to the main campus include Brand Marketing, Social Media,

Database/Analytics and Email Marketing. Brand Marketing and Social Media employees have joined

forces with the Communications and Development departments on the 2nd floor of the M Street

building, while Database/Analytics and Email Marketing are now on the M Street building's 7th floor.

Kristen Grose, who provides executive support to Brand Marketing and Social Media teams, said she is

“excited to be aligned not just organizationally but geographically with the Communications and

Development departments.”

This move will create a more efficient office environment for all at Nat Geo – not just the ones moving

from down the street. Aside from convenience purposes, the move back to the main campus, for many, a

way that the idea of One National Geographic is taking on new meaning both in place and practice.

For the employees moving back to main campus, there is an excitement to be more fully part of the

Society. “Every time you go over there [to headquarters], there’s a buzz,” said Brand Marketing’s

Megan Petratis. Megan has worked at Nat Geo for two years, both of which have been spent in the 1125

building, and she is thrilled to finally have an office on the main campus. “I’ll feel more part of National

Geographic walking into that building every day,” she said.

As the Society strives to operate as One National Geographic, this strikes a chord for those who have

made the move.

“I think most of us feel a certain pride every time we walk up the steps to the building with that name

over the door,” Tom said. “This move will help restore that feeling of unity for those of us coming home.”

Editor's note: This article was written by Communications Intern Leah Jereb.

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It's great to see all of us under one roof. Welcome home!Jenny Elizabeth Vallejo Apr 16 2015 11:10AM

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Welcome home, comrades! I'm delighted that you're back where youbelong.

Nancy Correll Apr 16 2015 8:46AM

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Welcome to everyone from 1125. You never really left. But it's certainlybetter to have you on campus officially!!!! Gary

Gary Knell Apr 15 2015 9:15PM

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Last but not least, the Database/Analytics and Email Teams also movedback to campus. We're on the 7th floor of M Street in the spot that wasformerly occupied by the Maps team. Come say hi!

Amori Langstaff Apr 15 2015 1:07PM

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Duncan Phillips: Thanks, Amori. Updated above. And welcome back!

April 15 15 1:41PM like 1 like

Neighbors!!!Claire Jones Apr 15 2015 12:19PM

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Great article Leah and welcome to all the peeps who've made the move!Keelin Vaccaro Apr 15 2015 11:55AM

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Hurray! Welcome back!!Katherine Thompson Apr 15 2015 10:54AM

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