Becky Lambert, chief financial officer for Business Employment Skills Team in Peru, was named Illinois Employment and Training Association's 2009 Professional of the Year at its annual banquet in Springfield.

Lambert has been in the workforce development field for almost 25 years and has been with BEST for 17 years. She has been an active member of IETA for 20 years and currently is in her fifth term as its treasurer.

"We here at BEST, Inc. have always been aware of Becky"s personal and professional abilities and talents," said Pam Furlan, BESTexecutive director. "Her dedication to her profession is second to none, and we believe she is most deserving of this award."

For many years, Lambert has been actively involved in her community with such things as Central Church of Christ and Engle Lane Theater. She is a member of NCI Works and a past member of the Illinois CPA Society. In 2004, she received the Dale Broadway Community Award. This award is named for the previous executive director of BEST. She also recognizes people who best exemplify Broadway"s spirit of leadership and volunteerism, especially with youth.

Lambert and her husband, Jim, reside in Streator and have two daughters and two granddaughters.