Meet Connie Smith, Executive Assistant at Presbyterian Village North (PVN). Connie has been part of the PVN team for 17 years, serving in roles from Administrative Assistant in Joyce Hall to her current position supporting leadership in The Corrigan.
“Connie exemplifies what a model PVN teammate truly is. Her loyalty, passion, positive spirit and hard work over the past 17 years has made a tremendous impact on Presbyterian Village North’s culture and success. The pride she takes in her daily work is truly something special to see. It’s been an honor to partner with her over the past three years and I look forward to many more to come.” Dustin Allen, PVN Executive Director, said.
“Being a tenure teammate at PVN, Connie has a special way with the residents. She is a dedicated teammate of 17 years and has become an invaluable part of our community. Not only is she a trusted and beloved figure among our residents, but she is also the heartbeat to the executive office. Her warmth, professionalism and genuine care shine through in every interaction.” Katia Xiong, PVN Associate Executive Director, said.
In this Teammate Spotlight, she talks about her day-to-day work, how her role has evolved and what she enjoys most about connecting with residents and helping things run smoothly behind the scenes.
How long have you worked at PVN?
I have worked at PVN for 17 years.
During that time, what positions have you held?
In April 2008, I started my career as Administrative Assistant working directly with the Manager of Joyce Hall. It was awesome helping with organizing this area, but mainly it was awesome working with and seeing the Joyce Hall Residents every day. I was the secretary for the Joyce Hall Resident Council and typed their meeting minutes and we worked together a lot. My desk was right at the elevators and each morning the residents would greet me and, in the evenings, wish me a good evening. This position has a lot of responsibilities and I loved it.
On January 1, 2009, I was offered the Executive Assistant position in The Corrigan. I reported to the Executive Director (ED), Associate Executive Director (AED) and Healthcare Administrator. We all officed in the Executive Suite. This was a very exciting position for me. I learned a lot about everything on campus. The Joyce Hall residents sent a petition to have me return to Joyce Hall. It was very nice, and I made time to visit them often.
Please share a typical day at work for you.
- Every morning, I enter the office and take the time to ensure our office is organized for the day. I make sure calendars are reviewed for the ED and AED.
- Each morning, I walk the Corrigan Commons for first impressions for the day.
- I make sure all meetings are set up and ready during each day.
- I assist residents with many things. The residents say “if you want to know anything go see Connie.” That is what the new residents hear also, when they meet me they say, “Oh, so you are Connie.”
- I set up meetings for ED and AED every day. We have 479 Independent Living residents and most of them are involved and want to meet with ED or AED.
- Thursday mornings at 7 a.m. our residents have Men’s Kaffee Klatch, and I assist with setting up for the speaker. This is an awesome program for our residents. I worked for several years with the leader of Men’s Kaffee Klatch.
- I work closely with our Village Council Officers. I post their meeting minutes on Cubigo and post on the bulletin board for each meeting. I also set up the Village Council Executive Team meeting each month and help with the audio visual during the meeting when needed. I always attend these meetings.
How has the role of executive assistant changed since you started?
We added our WorxHub for room set ups and things that need repaired. In 2016 we launched CUBIGO, and it is so awesome for communication. We no longer must print all residents a copy of everything and put it in their in-house mailboxes.
Our computers have improved, and I love laptops and two monitors. Also the Zoom meeting platform is a new addition. I have set up many zoom calls, especially during COVID. Using Teams is great too! Also, when I first started doing the Healthcare License renewals, it was all paper. For several years I have been completing this work on the computer, and it is certainly better.
What are your top priorities, no matter how busy things get?
My top priorities would be our residents. They certainly come first. Helping our residents is our passion. They know if they need something, we will be there for them and that is what is so awesome about our team!!
How do you prioritize tasks when everything feels urgent?
It is important to look at the issues and know what is most urgent and get them done quickly and move to the next priority item. Just stay calm and focused.
How do you handle last-minute changes or challenges?
PVN is a fast-paced environment. When last-minute changes are needed, you just stay calm and make the changes that are needed.
How do you effectively manage multiple calendars?
I have been managing a large number of calendars for years. I sometimes have 15 calendars up trying to put together a meeting with 15 attendees. It always works out. I like challenges.
What tools or software are most helpful in your role?
CUBIGO is a great communication tool with our residents. Technology and tools such as calendars and ChatGPT, is very helpful.
What professional development opportunities are you pursuing?
Technology improvements.
Share a time when you felt your work made a real difference.
When a new ED and our large campus, I wanted to provide information that would be helpful for the ED. I put together a binder for the ED, with tabs containing everything that is important at his fingertips. The ED said it really helped him when he started working at PVN. He takes this binder with him everywhere he goes, even now. The ED said it was a great idea.
Where do you feel you have the biggest impact in your role?
I believe the biggest impact is assisting ED and AED. When they are in meetings and a resident wants to speak with them, I am there to listen and attempt to solve the issue or set up the meeting with ED or AED if required. This helps the residents know that we all care and we will assist them. It works very well this way.
What is your favorite part of your job and what brings you the most fulfillment?
The History of PVN and the awesome residents I have met. Seeing all the improvements that have been made to PVN has been very exciting. Looking forward to more improvements in the future!!
There have been a lot of distinguished residents that I have been privileged to meet and work with and two of them especially stand out to me:
Major General USAF, Charles R. Bond, Jr. –
- General Bond was the Leader for “The Flying Tigers”. He also designed the plane. When General Bond passed away, the Blue Angels flew over PVN.
Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo –
- Mr. Luckadoo received the Distinguished Flying Cross medal around 75 years ago. This is the fourth highest military award. Mr. Luckadoo’s career was awesome! One day Mr. Luckadoo and I, (that is what I have always called him) were talking and he let me know that he was the architect that built the Big Town Mall in Mesquite, Texas, which was the first indoor mall in the United States. I was so excited as that was the mall I grew up going to and where I took my kids. He told me after completing that mall, he went home and packed up and moved to Texas and lived in Texas ever since.
Photos by Sarah Macias