Five Questions with Annette Orbert, Executive Director, Alamance County Community Services Agency

Annette Orbert’s greatest professional legacy will likely be the positive office culture she’s created and the positive change to the perception of her agency—Alamance County Community Services—within the local community. She feels that those are the best changes she’s made during nearly six years at the helm of the agency. Learn more about Annette in this Five Questions with an Agency Leader…feature.

Name a pet peeve.

My pet peeve is other people trying to schedule my time without checking my schedule. They seem to think I don’t have anything else to do.

What is the biggest blunder that you have made in your career and what did you learn from it?

In an earlier job and during a job interview, I shared information about an idea/project I had and the steps it would take to make it happen. In both cases, my ideas happened, however, I did not get the credit. The former supervisor said he did not remember me telling him my idea. In another instance, I did not get the job I interviewed for at another company, but they implemented the program I presented. I learned to keep new ideas to myself unless I can implement them myself or give my consent for someone to implement them.

Do you listen to music while your work? If so, what kind?

Yes, I do listen to music, however, it is a variety based on the time of day and what is going on that particular day. I begin the morning listening to gospel music until 10 a.m. I change to jazz or easy listening for the remainder of the day, however, on Fridays, I listen to ole school music!

What is your favorite vacation spot, and why?

Although I have only gone one time, my favorite vacation spot is Hawaii. Hawaii has it all—good food, beautiful scenery, perfect weather, and friendly people.

What do you think leads to burnout in the work that we do?

In this line of work, we all want to help everyone who walks through the doors. We will do all that we can do for others and family, and, at times, go beyond what is expected. To avoid burnout, we need to make sure we find time to do something for ourselves. If not a vacation, we should try to balance time for ourselves, family, and fun! Do the things that help us relax, such as a walk, or yoga, or what makes you feel relaxed. Burnout happens when we put work first instead of ourselves.