A DAO in the Life November 2021

A DAO in the Life - How did I end up here?

By Julie A. Kaylor, Mathews Deputy County Administrator

This is for all of us who ask “How did I end up here?”  I started my career as a young mother working part time in the accounting office for Mathews County.  I handled accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, benefits, you name it.  My youngest was six months old.  I chose the job because it provided me an opportunity to get back into the workforce but since it was part time it provided the work-life balance so many of us wish for.  That was way back in 1999!

A year later, a full-time position became available in the County Administrator’s office.  Of course, part time is great but who doesn’t want more money?  Benefits were nice too!  I took that job.  Executive Administrative Assistant to the County Administrator.  Two years later, the Assistant County Administrator moved on and another opportunity presented itself.  This time I was promoted to the Assistant to the County Administrator (did I say promoted?).  The main project I assumed at that time was the E-911 Coordinator role.  The County was just moving from 911 to Enhanced 911.  Every structure needed to be addressed.  Equipment needed to be procured, a 911 center needed to be created.  I took that challenge and the only thing I knew at that time was how to dial 911.  I look back fondly at that time in my career because I had to present to the Board of Supervisors each month and they knew I was terrified to speak in public.  I could always count on them to call me out!  Since that time, I assumed many other roles as well, including the Information Technology Coordinator.

Training in any position is key.  With the very small staff we have here, professional development and networking are key to our survival.  These things are key to us providing the best experience in our interactions with our citizens.  With support of my many Board of Supervisors members, colleagues and more importantly my few County Administrator’s, I’ve grown leaps and bounds.  Over the years, I went on to get my Virginia Government Finance Officer’s certification, my Master Municipal Clerk’s certification, and I’ve successfully completed the Certified Public Manager program through Arizona State University’s online CPM Program.  I was promoted again (did I say promoted?) to Deputy County Administrator/Clerk 

My County Administrator fought health related issues over the past year, so there were many times I had to step in to help out and get the job done.  To set the tone, our office consists of the County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator, Office Manager and Accounts Payable Technician.  On July 25th, our then Public Information Officer/Deputy Clerk (now Office Manager) turned in her notice.  Approximately two weeks later our then Fiscal Technician (now Accounts Payable Technician) turned in his two weeks’ notice.  On July 30th, my County Administrator retired.

I was the only one left.

To say these past few months have been chaotic, stressful, challenging, fast paced and unpredictable doesn’t even come close to what I’ve experienced.  Add the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the challenges that continue to present themselves because of that and my life has basically been turned upside down, but I managed to get the jobs done!

I could not have managed this without the support from our Interim Administrator, Mr. Sandy Wanner, my understanding Board of Supervisors and my colleagues.  My circle has grown immensely over these past few months and I appreciate opportunities to share our experiences.

I’m happy (relieved) to say that we are almost fully staffed again and our team is stronger than ever!  Success to me is resilience, perseverance, understanding, patience, strong work ethic, opportunities to challenge yourself, expect the unexpected and always provide service with a smile!