Meet Valerie Ferrin – Office Manager
Valerie’s Professional Journey
Valerie’s journey into the world of administrative work began at age 20, but her passion for learning drove her to achieve an A.S. in Accounting from Montgomery County Community College, an accomplishment she proudly celebrated at the age of 54. Her story is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and pursuing one’s dreams at any age.
Industry Experience
Before joining Cornerstone, Valerie served as a bookkeeper handling payroll for an electrician, transcribed medical records for a doctor, assisted college students with transcription services, took on the role of church secretary, and managed the office of a camp in New Hampshire. She also lent her talents to an engineering firm in Pennsylvania, where she provided support in marketing, payroll, and billing. Despite her experience in many different industries, anyone who knows Valerie can see that her most cherished roles now are as a loving wife, devoted mom, and doting grandma.
Family and Faith
Valerie values family and faith above all else. Together with her husband, Alan, they’ve called different parts of the United States home. After moving back to the states from Vienna, they moved from Illinois to Maine, and New Hampshire, and finally settled in Telford, PA. Their family has grown since then to include their own four children and now seven grandchildren, ranging in age from 10 months to 17 years.
Passion for Landscaping and Home Improvement
Beyond the office walls, Valerie’s love for landscaping and gardening is evident when you take a look at her gardens. Home improvement projects are her creative outlet, whether it’s constructing landscape walls, installing crown molding, or adding a fresh coat of paint to her latest project. Her most recent undertaking involved building a chicken coop and raising chicks for laying hens, a task she thought she knew well from her years on a farm as a teenager. She quickly realized the task was far more time-consuming than anticipated. Of course, Alan automated the chicken coop – a testament to their partnership in all aspects of life. When she’s not tending to her garden or overseeing her feathered friends, Valerie enjoys exploring new places with Alan.
Contributions to Cornerstone Automation
Valerie appreciates the camaraderie of a close-knit team and the flexible hours she is afforded by working at Cornerstone Automation. As the company recently transitioned to its new headquarters, Valerie’s organizational skills and attention to detail played a crucial role in making the transition seamless. The expanded space now comfortably houses a growing team of engineers, allowing for an even broader range of services. Valerie’s ability to tackle challenges head-on, particularly in adapting to ever-evolving customer requirements in invoicing and safety vetting procedures, has proven invaluable. Her detailed planning and graceful composure under pressure have solidified her position as an essential asset to the Cornerstone Automation team.
Praise from Cornerstone Automation’s President
In the words of Alan Ferrin, President of Cornerstone Automation: “Valerie always has a positive attitude and a willingness to help do anything. Her impeccable organizational skills and adept strategic planning stand out. Even amidst challenges, she exudes a remarkable sense of composure, gracefully managing stress. She’s an indispensable pillar of our team.”
Valerie embodies the spirit of Cornerstone Automation, where dedication, adaptability, and a love for what they do drives them forward. Her role as Office Manager has been pivotal in maintaining this spirit.