Behind the Scenes with the Office Manager

MVES’ Office Manager Deb Pelletier is featured in this month’s Behind the Scenes article. As the office manager, Deb tackles a wide variety of tasks in and around the entire MVES office. We spoke with Deb about the responsibilities and challenges of her position.

Editor: Please describe your primary responsibilities as an office manager.

D. Pelletier: As office manager, I am Dan O’Leary’s executive assistant and serve as the staff liaison to the Board of Directors. These two aspects involve a variety of tasks such as coordinating agency-wide meetings and special events, large mailings, requests from Dan and other managers. I’ve also learned a great deal about how our Board of Directors function. I attend Board and committee meetings and record minutes. Another main part of my position involves overseeing the administrative support staff and the office volunteers. I also help with building management issues.

Editor: What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

D. Pelletier: The people I work with. My team is the best and always willing to go the extra mile. Of course it’s also the diversity of the position. Each day when I come in, I just never know what I might be dealing with. There are alarm systems, carpet cleaning, plumbing issues—it’s never dull. Some days it’s planning and organizing an event such as a Board meeting, while other times it’s a last minute project that a co-worker needs assistance with. It tends to be very detailed. Whether it’s sending out staff reminders or cleaning the attic, you gain an understanding of why these often-overlooked tasks are so important.

Editor: How would you describe the challenges you face as an office manager?

D. Pelletier: I like to look at it as if you’re overseeing a big home. You try to make sure the house is comfortable for everyone. This means you’re responsible for the heat or air conditioning systems throughout the office. At the same time, if workers have requests, you need to make sure that these requests get answered. There’s also the office duty part which could be investigating copiers or printers if we need to make a purchase or ordering a new paper shredder and other general office supplies. Overseeing these duties has really taught me a lot about how the agency functions.

Editor: Overall, how would you summarize your time with MVES?

D. Pelletier: I’m happy—I like to be productive and learn. I’ve been a part of Mystic Valley since 1987, working a number of different positions and there’s always more to learn. Over the years, I’ve really developed a well-rounded view of MVES as a whole and an understanding of what elders need. I’ve said before, living in Haverhill, over an hour away, It might be easier to look for a job closer to home. But over time, the friendships and good working relationships that have come about make my job meaningful. Knowing that we are making a difference in elders’ lives is what it is all about.