Name: Debbie Verdell
Job Title: Support Analyst
Staff Superlative: Most likely to be wrapped in blankets, jackets and scarves in the office.
If I could do anything for a day, I would: I would probably choose to hike, then end the day in a hammock with a good book. There's something about hiking, especially up to a mountain peak, that pushes the limit of endurance. The exertion, the elevation and my asthma all work together to make every peak seemingly insurmountable. But then the overlook. It is always worth it! And getting lost in a book that challenges the limits of my imagination and perceptions is one of my favorite ways to rest.
What do you enjoy most about your job? I really enjoy the complexity and diversity of my job. We can have a good understanding of how our site works, but every customer uses the site differently. I think of it like an Excel spreadsheet. There are a lot of different applications of a program like Excel, making the possible uses infinite. Every customer interaction has the potential to be eye-opening. It's really very exciting. Just recently, while interacting with a customer, his use of the site clued me in on a function that I did not know was possible. The student became the teacher. Being open to constant learning is humbling and exhilarating.
How have you seen SUG organizers change the world? There are such a wide variety of events organized through SignUpGenius such as theatre volunteers, business training opportunities and natural disaster relief workers, just to name a few. One of the classic uses of our site is the local classroom teacher. I am such a fan of education and strongly believe that what happens in the classroom shifts societal direction. Whether teachers are organizing mystery readers, party supplies or field day volunteers, I am so thankful that I am a part of an organization that makes a teacher's work simpler. Teachers are changing the world.
Of our six core values, which one stands out the most to you? How do you see people in the company embodying it? Our first core value is that we "Advance the mission of others with our success." At first glance, this might seem singularly focused. But I can think of at least three areas that I see this play out: financially, developmentally and professionally. As our company grows, we are a conduit for financial giving, both through our giving program to our specific giving partners and through our employee matching giving program. Developmentally, each time we find a way to ensure that our site is functioning as simply as possible for sign up creators and participants, it empowers organizers to better change their world. As part of the SignUpGenius team, we truly function as a team. As each of us grows individually in our own skillsets, we are able to offer a helping hand to each other. We learn to receive help humbly as well as giving it generously. We are a team.
What's a funny story or favorite memory you have from working at SUG? A great percentage of every day in our office is quiet and focused. Each of us must keep the persons on the other side of our screen in the forefront of our minds. In this quiet, focused atmosphere, we are often interrupted by a shriek or exclamation. There is a plastic roach that wanders about the office from time to time. We never know where he will turn up: under our mouse, in the Kleenex box, even in the fridge. But he will surely turn up again and we will share a moment of levity. I have a love/hate relationship with that little plastic guy. Shared laughter is the best, but I'm sure he's taken days off of my life, too.
What was your favorite day while working at SUG? Personally, I have never had a job that pushes me as much as my job at SignUpGenius. I often say that I use every one of my brain cells while I am at work. Early on, it was often overwhelming. There was so much to learn. But one day, at the beginning of my first busy season, there was a day that required focus from each of us. It was very busy. But we all put our noses to the grindstone and helped the customer in front of us to the best of our ability, then moved to the next. At the end of the day, I knew we had done a good job. And it felt good to be a contributing member of the team.
We are so grateful for Debbie! Want to learn more about our genius team? Check out the About Us page.
