Where would US businesses be without them? They not only give constant support to their executives, working in partnership with them to deliver on wide-ranging business objectives, but they are increasingly running their own project portfolios.

Who are they? Administrative Professionals and Management Assistants, of course - the unsung heroes of American business.

It's nothing for Administrative Professionals to be dealing with clients and investors one moment, and ordering stationery the next; to be compiling recruitment budgets with one hand, and arranging a business trip for six colleagues with the other. Multi-tasking, professional, and highly skilled, today's assistant and support staff are at the heart of businesses up and down the country.

As the lynchpins of the organization, they provide a key link to staff at every level, helping their managers to make the right decisions, at the right time, with the right information to hand. They are invaluable business assets.

DeskDemon and some of the world's leading organizations who understand the challenging role that Administrative Professionals play in their organizations success have got together to acknowledge the best of The Best of the Best in management support across the US.

What makes an Administrative Professional stand out in front of the others? They are innovative, well organized and share their expertise with fellow assistants.

With a first prize of $15,000, the Management Support Fellowship Awards are special, not just because they celebrate the vital role of Executive and Administrative Assistants, Secretaries, PAs and Office Managers but because the winners are decided by their peers. This Award showcases outstanding administrators who demonstrate and share successes in their career and recognizes their achievements.