Ida Mae Craddock, Monticello High School

Sue Moffett, Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services, City of Charlottesville

Where were you born (and raised, if different)?  
I was born in San Antonio, Texas. My Dad was in the Army and he was stationed there. My family moved to southeastern Connecticut when I was very young. I grew up there.
 
When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area? 
Like many people I have met, I first moved here when I enrolled at the University of Virginia. I spent a couple of years after graduation working in the DC area, but came back to Charlottesville as soon as I had the opportunity.

 
What neighborhood do you live in now? 
I live in Afton in Albemarle County.
 
Family  (spouse, kids, etc.)?
Husband of nearly 23 years, two great kids, and a moody cat.
 

What is your alma mater and when did you graduate? 
I graduated from UVA in 1983 with a BA in History, and have a Master of Public Administration from JMU.
 

What were you doing before you came to work for the City?  
Working at the Blue Moon Diner!
 
Your job title is Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services – what, in your own words, would you say you do? 
I think I have the best job in the Department. An important part of my job is to connect the programs and services we offer with other human service providers and the residents they serve in the community.
 

What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?  
The best part is working with many innovative, hard-working, and compassionate folks to resolve difficult issues. The most difficult part is the long list of difficult issues!
 
How does your job most directly impact the average person? 
Our mission is to join with the community in providing social services that meet essential needs, promote self-sufficiency, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. I work to make that happen.    
 
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the City?  
I am part of a cross-departmental staff team drafting the city’s strategic plan. We are revisiting the mission, vision and values of the organization, and defining goals and objectives. This recent project is an interesting and exciting opportunity to really talk about not only what we do, but how and why we do it.   
 
What is a little-known fact about you? 
I have had 12 different jobs throughout my tenure at CDSS. 
 
What do you do outside of work hours – hobbies, etc.? 
My youngest daughter plays travel soccer, so I spend a lot of time driving to/from practice and sitting at soccer fields. Other than that, I like to exercise, read, and knit.
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