Eileen Wittwer, Inspections Assistant
Where were you born (and raised, if different)?
I was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, and then impulsively moved to Northport, N.Y. in my 20’s. I got married and started a family there, and I stayed for about 15 years before moving to Charlottesville.
When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area?
The Ambulatory Surgery Center at the University of Virginia was recruiting Operating Room nurses in 1992, so my husband, Fred, took a job here.
What neighborhood do you live in now?
Forest Lakes North.
Family (spouse, kids, etc.)?
We have three adult sons. Scott lives in Milwaukee with his wife, Greg teaches high school in Henrico County, and the youngest, James, is graduating from Appalachian State in Boone, NC this year.
What is your alma mater and when did you graduate?
I went to Salisbury State, now called Salisbury University, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I studied Psychology and graduated in 1975.
What were you doing before you came to work for the county?
I was working various part time jobs (EKG technician, retail) and keeping up with family activities.
Your job title is Inspections Assistant – what, in your own words, would you say you do?
To sum it all up, I assist the public in complying with the building codes. That could be done by scheduling and tracking building inspections, researching records, coordinating utility connections, and/or preparing Certificates of Occupancy.
What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?
I am fortunate to work with a great, supportive team of inspectors and managers, so I like the team aspect. I enjoy speaking with contractors and homeowners to problem solve whatever issue is affecting them. There’s always a variety! The most difficult part is working in old dusty file rooms – not my favorite part of the job!
How does your job most directly impact the average person?
If you are building a new house or remodeling, chances are you have contacted the Inspections Division.
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the county?
Looking back to the building boom years, I can’t believe how we all handled the volume without the technology we enjoy today. Work flow is smoother now for sure. Automated and digital record management is a project example with good results.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I am the voice on the automated greeting message for the Community Development Department.
What do you do outside of work hours – hobbies, etc.?
I get outside as much as I can to enjoy the area’s beautiful natural resources, such as hiking and kayaking in our county parks. I also enjoy checking out music festivals, local breweries, and wineries. I’m training now for the Charlottesville 10-Miler race and cycle with the Bloomfield Road Riders, and I’m hoping to ride the MS 150 again this year.
