White: ‘Happy to learn something new and jump in’
Jennifer White finds versatility, connection as Missouri Bar office manager
Working in restaurant management, Jennifer White enjoyed the connections she made. She liked meeting new people and seeing regulars.
When she applied in 2019 for what seemed like a typical “office job” as office manager of The Missouri Bar, she was concerned she would be stuck sitting at a desk all day.
“When I started, I was very pleasantly surprised (to learn) that I can build connections with people in all of the buildings,” she said.
White loves getting to work with everyone at the bar.
“That’s probably one of the biggest things that I like about this job is that it’s so versatile,” she said. “I get to work with every department, so I get to know everybody.”
Another one of her favorite parts is how active the job is, from rearranging spaces, moving objects around, organizing staff auctions, or going to different buildings.
On days with major meetings, White may find she’s not in her office much at all, as she’s keeping various aspects of the meetings organized.
She said a lot of her day is made up of ordering and receiving. It could be office supplies, furniture, catering, or other things. She also receives and distributes packages around the office.
She coordinates and facilitates on-site meetings and maintenance. White is also one of four who staffs the main phone line in addition to the bar’s receptionist.
“I really love this job, it’s definitely the best job I’ve had,” White said.
After starting in 2019, she left the bar to set up homeschooling routines for her four children. Raven Ballard took over as the office manager.
About a year later, when Ballard began a different position with the bar’s Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program, White returned to her old position, picking up where she left off.
“I’m always happy to jump in and help with anything — even if I don’t know what it is, I’m happy to learn something new ...” White said. “I almost feel like a central hub for The Missouri Bar, all of the departments.”
Outside of work, White has continued homeschooling three of her children. Her daughter is currently enrolled in the engineering program at State Technical College. White also enjoys watching her three sons play as goalies for ice hockey teams and traveling for games.