Ella Jordan, Clerk to the Board of Supervisors
Where were you born (and raised, if different)?
I was born in Charlottesville and grew up in Esmont, a small, tight-knit community in Southern Albemarle.
When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area?
I’ve always lived in this area. One of the reasons I stayed in the area was because I knew that it was a good area to raise my children. I also have a deep connection with my family, friends and church.
What neighborhood do you live in now?
Fifeville (Orangedale).
Family (spouse, kids, etc)?
My husband, Jay, is an Autobody Technician at Cville Auto Body; we have five children – Ian (24) in the Air Force, stationed in Montana; Zanathan (24), student at Liberty University; Kirstin (22) lives in New York, preparing for grad school; and twins, Jessica (19), student at University of Mary Washington, and Amanda (19), student at PVCC; and two grandchildren, Brooklynn and Joscelyn.
What is your alma mater and when did you graduate?
Graduated from PVCC in 1981 with an AAS in Secretarial Science; currently pursuing a BS in Organizational Management and Development from Bluefield College.
What were you doing before coming to the county government?
Administrative Secretary at UVa and tax preparer for H&R Block.
Your job title is Clerk to the Board of Supervisors – what, in your own words, would you say you do?
In addition to running the day-to-day operations of the Board office, the Clerk provides the structure, coordination and facilitation of information for the Board of Supervisors in its decision-making processes, and then acts as the liaison for disseminating that information to the public. I also ensure the historical preservation of all records of the Board.
When I was first interviewed for this office, one of the essential functions listed in the Clerk’s job description was “responsible for catching mistakes of all types from all directions in order to prevent future problems.” That still runs true.
What is the best part of your job?
All the people I meet and working with the different personalities. I’ve worked for the Board for 26+ years and many different personalities have crossed my doorway, and it has been interesting and a learning experience working with all of them.
The most difficult part?
Getting through to people who do not understand that I’m not the one making the decisions. I’m not a person who stresses really easily but it does become difficult sometimes trying to interpret the Board’s decision to the public at-large. It can also become difficult trying to concentrate when a meeting lasts past 10:00 p.m. and my bed is calling me.
How does your job most directly impact the average person?
I need to make sure that the Board has the best environment to make decisions for the good of the community and to facilitate that dialogue, I serve as a conduit between the community and Board members.
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the county?
I don’t know that there is any one project or work experience; it is just seeing the changes that have occurred in the County over the last 26 years. Actually the best work experience is being able to engage with people that would not have come across my path otherwise.
What is a little known fact about you?
I am currently learning to play the piano (one of my bucket list items). I am also a shoe maniac.
What do you do outside of work hours – hobbies, etc?
Spend lots of time with my family, especially my grandchildren. I love to travel. I am a sports fanatic – football (Dallas Cowboys) and basketball (Miami Heat) – in fact I think I go through withdrawal symptoms when the seasons are over. I also enjoy walking, having my quiet time and reading.
