Michele Lail
TECHNOLOGY: Michelle Lail, Land Records Manager
Years with the County: 24.5
Briefly describe your job. What do you do?
Oversee all land related documents that are recorded at the Register of Deeds and supervisor of the GIS Technicians and Sr GIS Technicians that process the documents. Responsible for processing deeds and plats received from the Register of Deeds utilizing IASWorld, ArcMap, and Laserfiche. In addition to processing deeds and plats, we also process death certificates and estate files to update ownership for tax purposes. This position is responsible for providing land records assistance to staff within the department, other departments with the county, citizens, attorneys, surveyors and external agencies.
What is a typical workday like for you?
No two deeds are the same, no two days are the same. On any given day, things can change in an instant. Normally, I run the necessary report to acquire deeds that have been verified by the ROD, and reassign them to staff. I set aside time every morning to make myself available for questions that staff may have. I will then proceed with work (usually a specific project/task) that I need to accomplish. There are scheduled and impromptu meetings that may occur. Endless emails, that may flood my inbox. I am someone that doesn’t like to leave things open ended, so I try to respond in a timely manner. Especially since much of it is time sensitive. There are questions/comments from other staff/departments that need to be addressed, and phone calls that need to be answered. This position requires that you be flexible and be able to turn your attention to more pressing issues. I have an ‘open door’ policy, so I try to make sure that I am readily available/accessible for what is needed/expected of me.
What is your favorite aspect of your job – what do you enjoy doing most?
I enjoy mapping, it is like putting a puzzle together. We have recently migrated to new drawing software (ArcPro). Due to other pressing issues, I haven’t had the opportunity to become familiar with all of the changes. Thankfully, I have skilled staff that have risen to the challenge of learning the new software.
What is the County core value you believe most relates to the work you do, and why?
Doing What Matters Most-I believe the service that we provide is invaluable to many other stakeholders. Our work has to be prioritized in a way that is done both efficiently and correctly. I have empowered staff to make decisions based on their knowledge base. I trust the work that they do, and that is where the authenticity plays a part as well.
What do you like best about working for Catawba County?
I have learned that I am in ‘my element’ at work. I am truly an introvert. The people I have gotten to know over the years, have caused me to be extroverted when I am at work. I think that it is the working relationships and the advice/insight/assistance that you receive from them.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in California, but raised in Fort Lauderdale. I moved to NC in 1988.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy going to the gym, playing puzzle games (go figure), listening to live music, and spending time with friends.
Favorite movie, TV show, and/or book?
Steel Magnolias is my favorite movie, and my daughter is named Shelby. Crime/medical dramas of any type, are the shows that I enjoy. The Little Prince would be my favorite book.
Favorite musical artist or genre?
I have seen U2, Cage the Elephant, Beck, Rolling Stones and Killers (since 2018).
Favorite sports team(s)?
It used to be the Panthers…they need to rally!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would want to be invisible. I love to people watch, so this way I could do it without being noticed. I also have a tendency to scare people (intended/unintended). Being invisible would give me an extra advantage.