National Professional Secretaries Week (Day) emerged in the early 1950s through the work of Harry F. Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. Klemfuss, a public relations specialist, promoted the importance of the position to businesses, in an attempt to popularize and encourage more women to become secretaries. In doing so, he in effect single-handedly created a holiday in recognition of the importance of secretaries.

Today the title continues to evolve, incorporating not only new terminology ("Administrative Professionals," "Executive Admins") but also the ever-broadening roles and responsibilities encompassed in the traditional "Secretary" role. Secretaries Week is the third week of April, with that Wednesday being the "Day."