Staff Spotlight: Kathy Ford

Kathy Ford serves as the executive assistant for the department of accounting and has been with the Poole College of Management for 13 years as of March 2020.

Ford’s core responsibilities as executive assistant are to keep things running smoothly for the department of accounting and make sure faculty have what they need to do their jobs. She served on the committee to choose the Equality Award winner for the annual sisterhood dinner and is a scholarship reader for the study abroad office and Poole College.

Work at Poole College

Why did you decide to join Poole College?

I used to work at a high school in Pennsylvania and decided to apply here at NC State. I loved the idea of working with the students again. 

Do you currently serve on any of the university committees, peer groups, etc.? 

I am currently serving on the NC State Council of the Status of Women, an organization charged with advising the Provost on matters related to the professional development and support of all NC State women on and off campus, including faculty, staff and students. I have just been assigned to the University Wellness Advisory board in the communication and collaboration working group. The NC State Wellness Committee is a newly formed advisory committee charged with creating and maintaining a culture that supports and promotes the overall health and wellness of NC State students, faculty and staff. The committee collaborates with university administration and campus wellness partners to encourage inclusive dialogue, and provide programs, services and initiatives that foster healthy decision-making. 

What have you enjoyed most about your experience at Poole College?

I would have to say the variety of people here in the college as it is always changing and I have been able to watch it play out over the past 13 years. 

What advice would you give a staff member who has recently joined Poole College?

Get to know people in the building. There are so many people that work here that can help you in all kinds of ways including work-related, professionally and educationally.

Professional Accomplishments

What do you believe is your most interesting accomplishment as a staff member? 

My most interesting accomplishment has been working with Feed the Pack and trying to make people aware of the food insecurity on college campuses.

What professional organizations are you currently a member of?

I am currently a member of the American Association of Notaries, Inc.

If you have been nominated or received any professional awards, please list them.

I was a nominee for the Awards for Excellence in 2015 and 2019, and I completed the Equal Opportunity Institute.

Life Outside of Poole

Where were you born and what countries/state/cities did you live it?

I was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but moved to Bucks County when I was in first grade. I lived there all my life until my husband was transferred to Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2005.

When you are not at Poole College, what do you enjoy doing for fun? 

I enjoy gardening and spending time at the beach! Recently, I have started working on my family genealogy and one day hope to visit Austria and Hungary.

What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment outside of work?

That would have to be watching my three children grow into fine young adults.