Robin White is an administrative assistant for the city and has worked at City Hall for more than two years. She’s the receptionist outside the City Council chambers.
What did you do prior to this job?
“I worked in an office as a practical nurse when I was younger and several different office positions before I came here.”
How did you get your start with the city?
“I saw it online and decided to send in my resume. There were something like 270 applicants for the job.”
What does it take to be a good receptionist?
“Well, people skills is a big part of it. You have to be a good listener. You have to be understanding and have a lot of empathy. When people call in and they have different problems, not to take it personally. Listen to them and try to direct them to wherever you can. If you can help them, help them.”
What are most of your calls about?
“You deal with different issues from a Wal-Mart going up to people wanting help with their finances.”
How many calls do you average daily?
“Probably 50-75.”
What was your most unusual call?
“I get calls about portable bathrooms in people’s yards. When they’re doing construction, we get calls about the potholes. We get calls about the neighbor’s dogs.”
Who was your most famous caller?
“Tillie Fowler.” She was the U.S. Congresswoman from this area from 1992-2000.
How do you remain calm?
“Again, I really think that comes from a lot of people skills and understanding and not taking it personally, really having a lot of empathy for people. Even if it’s a little problem, it may be a big thing to them. The neighbor’s dog barking all night long — that’s a big thing. Respecting other people is the most important thing, respecting how they feel and trying to make them feel comfortable.”
What is the best way to see a City Council member?
“Call the member’s assistant and schedule an appointment because the council members are in and out.” The main line for the City Council is 630-1377.
What other duties do you have?
“We maintain the rooms downstairs for the council meetings. We also schedule different meetings for the various departments in the city that need the rooms downstairs and maintain the stock. There are just a lot of little things like making sure something is there when it’s supposed to
be there.”
What is the toughest part of your job?
“I really don’t think anything is tough about the job. I’m a patient person so the people don’t really bother me. We have a lot of different personalities up here and very opinionated people. You have to respect everybody.”
Personal
She’s from Glen St. Mary and now lives in Orange Park.
Hobbies
She collects art glass and dolls from the 60s and 70s and does a lot of antiquing and crafts such as crochet and embroidery.
Personal life
Has a 14-year-old daughter. Loves comedic movies and watching TV, especially antique shows like the Antiques Road Show. Family is really important to her. She grew up in a big family of six brothers and sisters. She and her family like to travel and meet in places like Orlando.
— by Carrie Resch