An Executive Assistant iffers slightly from Administrative Assistant in the connotation of supporting an officer of a company, either public or private, who carries the authority to make crucial decisions affecting the direction of said organization, and is therefore a sought-after resource in decision-making and policy setting. The Executive Assistant performs the usual roles of managing correspondence, preparing research, and communication while also acting as the "gatekeeper," understanding in varying degree the requirements of the Executive, and with an ability through this understanding to decide which scheduled events or meetings are most appropriate for allocation of the Executive's time.