Get to Know: Joe Fiorelli
How would you describe your role and responsibilities, and what does your typical workday look like?
I am responsible for a healthy portion of the operational risk management on campus, including managing the University’s insurance program (about 40 insurance policies), the Minors on Campus program, Workers’ Compensation, Unmanned Aircraft (drone) Safety and 15-passenger van training. My days are often split monitoring emails, managing the office work processes and learning as much as I can about what’s happening on campus to ensure we’re doing things safely.
What do you like most about your job at UNC Charlotte?
I like working in a place where everyone is operating with a common goal: to ensure the best possible education and experience for our students.
What is the most challenging part of your job? Most rewarding?
Challenging: Teaching people and communicating with them about insurance. Most people avoid the topic as much as possible, so gaining their interest can be tough.
Rewarding: Any time I receive a heartfelt email saying “thanks.” I print off some of the more thoughtful ones to read when I’m having a difficult day.
How long have you been a member of Niner Nation?
I’ve been swinging my pickaxe since October 2017.
What is your most memorable experience at UNC Charlotte?
I once helped a group of students that were going to an academic competition about risk management at colleges/universities. It’s sort of a niche profession, so it was fun getting to share this specialized knowledge with some aspiring minds.
What kind of hobbies do you have outside of work?
I’m a self-taught woodworker. I love to make and refinish furniture. I also take my son hiking at least once a week. He’s three years old and can go over three miles!
What is something people may not know about you?
I have a *healthy* obsession with castles. I’ve read books about them, studied them and eventually want to create an online course about their history and usage.
How would you sum yourself up in one sentence?
Let’s get things done so that we can have fun.
Interview by Tenille Dellinger