Staff Profile - October 2015

Andrew Phillip Herron has a light side that can dispel an intense moment, put one at ease, and revert back to any serious situation any day may bring. Add to that his agile mind, Andrew is never boring.  He has a keen perception and quick to "get it".  Not having been in government before, he has learned much about politics and the JPL system in his 17 months as Executive Assistant to Director Gubbin.  One of a kind and worth getting to know, that's Andrew.

Q: What positions have you held  that prepared you to be the Executive Assistant to Director Barbara Gubbin?

A: Prior to assisting Ms. Gubbin, I worked in New York City as Executive Assistant to the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, as Assistant to the Government Relations Group at MetLife, and in similar positions at JPMorgan Chase and Scholastic Publishing.

  

Q: Have you had a particular interest in another field that contributes to your current position?

A: Yes.  Avocationally, I worked for a long time as a composer of musical theatre, finding to my surprise that all 24 productions of my work occurred in cities other than New York.  Since coming to JPL, I’ve been amazed at how similar the administration of a library system is to the administration of an arts center – with programs in progress, politics in play, and a concert hall taboot.

Q: What would you encounter in a typical day as Executive Assistant to the Director?

A: The first responsibility of the Executive Assistant to Director Gubbin is to handle her calendar.  However, that involves a lot more than it sounds like:  In a typical month, I’ll set up meetings between Director Gubbin and trustees, senior staff, and city officials.  I’ll draft or procure agendas, materials, and minutes for those meetings.  I’ll also work with the Executive team, with CR&M, with the Conference Center, and with Administrative Aide Sara Gunter to help ensure that these events are smoothly executed.

  

Q: What has been the most rewarding and/or challenging aspect of your position?

A: The most rewarding phenomenon in my time at JPL has been the budding of new political support for the library.  This came in the wake of many meetings we set up for Director Gubbin and trustees to introduce the library to the incoming mayoral administration and City Council.  CR&M provided excellent materials for those meetings, and now, months later, Director Gubbin’s and our trustees’ advocacy has paid off.  We now have funds to restore 88 hours of weekly library service to the city, starting November 14th.

Q: Is there something you would share with us that most do not know?

A: Yes.  Though I’m usually an affable stuffed-suit, occasionally my whimsical side bursts forth like an out-of-control sock puppet.   If this ever happens while you’re looking, pay no heed.  It wasn’t my fault.  I was just in the arts.