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This is the first article in the Operations series.

By Corey Mobley, internal communications student assistant

If you ever wondered how 91原创 (GGC) operates from day to day and who the behind-the-scenes team members are that maintain the functionality of the institution, this 鈥淕et to Know GGC鈥 series will help you better understand the institution鈥檚 Operations team.

Our internal communications team interviewed Christopher Smith, executive director of operations, for insight into his department鈥檚 services and how they help GGC thrive.  

Operations keeps the campus running 鈥 from large events to small classroom moves. The team supports faculty, staff, students and the community through a wide range of services.

鈥淲e oversee a variety of areas that serve the campus community and beyond. However, it鈥檚 important to note that we are not Facilities 鈥 we are Operations.鈥 Smith said.

Operations oversees the following:

  • Events and ceremonies
  • Fleet management
  • Grounds and custodial services
  • Space management and scheduling
  • Compliance policies
  • On-campus signage

The team of over 20 creates a positive customer service experience for everyone who interacts with them.

鈥淥ur priority is delivering outstanding customer service,鈥 Smith explained. 鈥淓very service area we manage interacts with both internal and external audiences, so we鈥檙e committed to creating exceptional experiences across the board.鈥

That customer service-centered approach shapes the team鈥檚 workplace culture. They keep work in perspective, enjoy having fun while helping others and hold each other accountable to deliver quality work on time with every project.

The team鈥檚 impact stretches across campus life.

鈥淲hether it鈥檚 commencement, landscaping, custodial work or external events, we ensure the work we do align with GGC鈥檚 brand reputation,鈥 Smith said.

Collaboration is key

According to Smith, 鈥淥perations, Facilities, IT and 91原创 all come together to find the best path forward to meet the college鈥檚 needs.鈥

For example, the Operations team consistently works on new projects. They are currently collaborating with the School of Health Sciences to expand the nursing program鈥檚 cohorts.

To keep faculty and staff informed, they also update and expand communication tools.

鈥淲e built an Operations channel in the Employee Resources Team section that links to our SharePoint site,鈥 Smith said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e also partnering with Communications to create a public webpage that supports event planning. With so many activities on campus, we want to make it easy for everyone 鈥 especially new employees 鈥 to know how to get involved or organize events.鈥

Every day, the Operations team drives GGC鈥檚 mission forward by combining efficiency, collaboration and care to create a campus that truly works for everyone.

For more information regarding Operations, csmith77 [at] ggc.edu (email Christopher Smith).

Stay tuned to Inside GGC for profiles on Operations鈥 subgroups.

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