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5 Questions With Staff: Cierra Fitzgerald
What brought you to Chatham Hall?
I initially came to Chatham Hall in 2014 while working for a private security firm. Soon after that, I developed a sense of belonging and admiration for the School. Even though I was not directly employed here, I never felt like an outsider. The community soon became family and it felt amazing to be a part of that. There are several people with whom I grew especially close, and I will always give many thanks to Cathy LaDuke who was not only a mentor but a dear friend. I continue to cherish the connections that I have made with faculty, staff, and students. A couple of years later, an opportunity became available for me to officially become part of this wonderful community that I love so much - and of course I took it!
I initially came to Chatham Hall in 2014 while working for a private security firm. Soon after that, I developed a sense of belonging and admiration for the School. Even though I was not directly employed here, I never felt like an outsider. The community soon became family and it felt amazing to be a part of that. There are several people with whom I grew especially close, and I will always give many thanks to Cathy LaDuke who was not only a mentor but a dear friend. I continue to cherish the connections that I have made with faculty, staff, and students. A couple of years later, an opportunity became available for me to officially become part of this wonderful community that I love so much - and of course I took it!
What do you wish everyone knew about being Director of Security?
This particular role comes with many challenges and the work that has to be done never stops. It is 24/7 and year-round. In recent years, our community is moving to be as prepared as we can possibly be in the event of any kind of emergency. My ultimate goal is to make security second nature to our community.
What is the most rewarding part of the job?
Definitely the improvements to safety and security that we strive to make each year in order to keep our campus safe. This year in particular, we focused on technological security upgrades as well as building relationships with local emergency responders. Local responders received the opportunity to come to our campus for lunch, a student-led tour, and a Q&A with our Crisis Management Team. As far as I know, this type of event has never been done before, but I think it is safe to say that it will be an annual event from now on.
What do you love most about Chatham Hall?
The community itself! We build relationships and bonds that last a lifetime and at the end of the day, we are an extended family. No matter where our previous students are, no matter where our current students go, no matter what challenges we face, we can always count on each other for support and comfort. I have never experienced this anywhere else and I would not trade it for the world. I personally feel that it is rare to find a career that you love at a place that you love, so when you find it, you definitely cherish it!
Go Gold or Go Purple?
Only the best of course, Go Purple!!!!!
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This particular role comes with many challenges and the work that has to be done never stops. It is 24/7 and year-round. In recent years, our community is moving to be as prepared as we can possibly be in the event of any kind of emergency. My ultimate goal is to make security second nature to our community.
What is the most rewarding part of the job?
Definitely the improvements to safety and security that we strive to make each year in order to keep our campus safe. This year in particular, we focused on technological security upgrades as well as building relationships with local emergency responders. Local responders received the opportunity to come to our campus for lunch, a student-led tour, and a Q&A with our Crisis Management Team. As far as I know, this type of event has never been done before, but I think it is safe to say that it will be an annual event from now on.
What do you love most about Chatham Hall?
The community itself! We build relationships and bonds that last a lifetime and at the end of the day, we are an extended family. No matter where our previous students are, no matter where our current students go, no matter what challenges we face, we can always count on each other for support and comfort. I have never experienced this anywhere else and I would not trade it for the world. I personally feel that it is rare to find a career that you love at a place that you love, so when you find it, you definitely cherish it!
Go Gold or Go Purple?
Only the best of course, Go Purple!!!!!
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800 Chatham Hall Circle • Chatham, VA 24531
+1 434.432.2941 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Day and boarding school for girls grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
+1 434.432.2941 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Day and boarding school for girls grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
