Chantae Lail
PUBLIC HEALTH: Chantae Lail, Lab Manager, Preparedness Coordinator and Safety Officer
Years worked with the County: 18+
Briefly describe your job. What do you do?
My job consists of 3 separate but important tasks: Lab Director, Safety Officer, and the Preparedness Coordinator for Catawba County Public Health. The Lab Director ensures that lab staff are highly trained, and that we are serving our clients and meeting regulatory requirements. The Safety Officer leads the work of ensuring a safe working environment for all 100-plus Public Health employees, chairing the safety committee at Public Health, ensuring that we continue to earn the prestigious Public Sector Carolina Star Safety recognition, collaborating with staff to prevent potential hazards to workplace safety, and being a cheerleader for safety throughout Public Health. Lastly, as the Preparedness Coordinator, I help ensure that Public Health has a workforce that is trained, equipped and motivated to respond when an unexpected event or disaster occurs. Public Health’s emergency response can range from opening shelters, planning for continuity of operations, working to manage outbreaks and other incidents that could negatively impact the health of our county’s residents.
What is a typical workday like for you?
It really depends on the day. I have to be nimble enough to move where I am needed because, as we all know, emergencies don’t plan ahead or occur when they are convenient.
What is your favorite aspect of your job – what do you enjoy doing most?
The thing I enjoy the most about my job is that no two days are the same. There is always something different that needs attention and keeps me on my toes. Being involved in 3 areas allows me to interact and help others, which is where my true motivation lies. It also allows me to constantly strive to make improvements.
What is the County core value you believe most relates to the work you do, and why?
If I have to pick just one, “Doing What’s Right.” In everything that I do, doing it right is always required. It’s required that all lab results are timely and accurate; Providers make treatment decisions based on those results. I do what’s right in ensuring that we provide the safest environment possible for our employees and visitors. Doing what’s right also carries over to preparedness. If we have to open a shelter, we have the responsibility to the public to do it and do it right. At the end of the day, it’s all about integrity.
What do you like best about working for Catawba County?
The best part of working for Catawba County is being part of a dedicated organization that serves our residents. We all have an integral part to play to meet the needs of our community and I am humbled that I get to help make Catawba County a better place.