Last week, I wrote about our expanded news staff and the freelance writers who continue to contribute to the quality of our newspaper.
Much to my chagrin, I failed to mention one of the most important people on the staff. She's not a reporter or photographer, but she certainly keeps the wheels of business and commerce going for EastWord News. Her name is Kristina Boehlke and she's our operations director.
Without Kristina, the office and its many functions would not operate as efficiently. At the ripe age of 21, Kristina has a work ethic that reminds me of someone who has been managing businesses for decades. She has, by the way, managed several tanning salons, which was a major task considering teenagers comprise the bulk of the employee roster. If she can manage teenage girls, then corralling some adult advertising reps and reporters should be a cinch.
Every business needs that special office manager, or in our case an operations director. Whatever the title may be, that person is charged with making the office run as smooth as silk. Again, in our case, Kristina is the person that makes that happen.
When I was first introduced to her, I had my pre-conceived doubts but the hire already had been made. There was no factual information, just the thought that a 21-year-old couldn't handle it, especially someone with no experience in the newspaper industry. After all, we have our unique way of performing our job. Sometimes, we can be ruthless and non-caring, and other times we can be a sensitive crew with great passion. Maybe it's the deadlines or maybe it's the cynicism you develop in this business, but the newsroom environment can change in a flash.
After a few months, Kristina has proven to be the person who shipped us into shape. We're more organized than ever, she's got all of the office duties handled and she even tells me what to do on occasions. And, you can bet I do it. I don't say "no" or "wait a second," either. I know who runs our office, and it isn't me.
I am in charge of the news content, the editorial page columns and our writers and photographers. There's no question about that. However, Kristina does offer news content suggestions, and most of them are good. Let's say I value her opinion. She may not be a seasoned newsroom veteran, but she acts like it.
EastWord News is a better publication and Triple-B Media is a better company because of Kristina. She does so much of the behind-the-scenes work and her contributions often go unnoticed to the public. She doesn't get bylines or photo credits, but she ensures the staff has everything it needs to produce a quality newspaper.
Before you throw accolades toward the reporters and publishers, please understand our jobs are made so much easier by this young lady who graduated from college at the top of her class. She's bright, full of energy and she's customer-service oriented. She's a delight to work with and we hope she sticks around for a long time.
By the way, if you're a business owner in need of a good office manager, just keep looking. Kristina's not going anywhere. At least, we hope not.
