She had to what? Learn what? Operate what? Teach what?
Those questions all have answers because that is how B.J. Delbert has spent her time working from home since the municipal offices in the Ohio County Courthouse were closed in mid-March. Delbert has been Wheeling’s City Clerk since Janice Jones retired in January 2018, and she has not allowed city government to miss a beat during the pandemic.
Not only did Delbert increase the amount of technology utilized during regular meetings of Wheeling Council, but she also has orchestrated what citizens have seen during the ZOOM broadcasts one click at a time.
Delbert is a member of the Class of 2004 from Wheeling Park High School, and she gained her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from West Virginia University and a Master’s Degree in B.A. from Fairmont State University. Since, Delbert has added to her resume Wells Fargo, Bath and Body Works, the Ohio County Circuit Court Clerks Office, and now the city of Wheeling. In her current position Delbert believes she’s finally mixing her degrees with her skill set.
The shoes to fill were figuratively enormous after Jones guided city government for 24 years, but Delbert met the learning with aggressiveness and has performed like a platinum rock star since sequestered by this coronavirus.
Why did you decide to apply for the City Clerk’s position with the city of Wheeling?
I was working in the Circuit Clerks office as a Deputy Clerk in the same building as Janice Jones (my predecessor). When I heard of her retirement, I decided to apply. My motives were simple; I wanted to advance my career and help Wheeling at the same time.
Please explain the learning curve when you first started in the position?
My prior knowledge and experiences are extensive in Customer Service and Sales. While I don’t use “sales” in a retail sense as a City Clerk, you sell yourself and the city every day. The biggest challenge I faced was learning the political climate. I have never worked frontlines with government before. Sure, in the Circuit Clerks Office I dealt with other clerk responsibilities such as record keeping and retention of documents, but I did not have a front-row seat to government.
What new technology have you had to learn during the pandemic?
ZOOM. This has been a lifesaver for us. In the beginning we all had test calls and learned on the fly. It has helped local leaders stay connected and continue to conduct business. Not only have we had staff and daily business meetings, we have also been able to conduct Commission meetings and City Council meetings. Plus, I think more people are tuning in to to watch! I hope we continue to stream going forward, it is giving citizens a look inside.
What have you learned about city government since beginning your employment with the city of Wheeling?
Citizens want to be heard. When you take time to listen to someone, usually their problem can be fixed internally. Most do not have an unrealistic view or expectation of local government. Communication is key, and technology advancement has played a role in getting an even playing field. Our new website with 311 platforms has provided tools and resources to close the communication gap.
What is the first activity you wish to do when the stay-at-home is lifted?
PLAY DATES. I have a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old who miss their friends terribly. They are old enough to understand something is going on and not “normal” but too young to fully comprehend. We live by a playground and Gracie (5) keeps asking if the germs are gone yet so we can play. Anthony (3), on the other hand, is loving extra time with Mom.
