The A-Team: An 'Invaluable' Assistant

Similar to the plants that surround her workspace, Caroline Flinn's duties at Sarah P. Duke Gardens have a lot to do with adaptation.

While her prior work with University Development featured scheduling and dealing with donors, Flinn has honed new skills since becoming administrative assistant to the Gardens' director, Bill LeFevre, in 2011. Prior to the Gardens, Flinn worked in Development.

In addition to taking the lead on administrative functions for the Gardens, she handles financial and budgetary roles - something brand new for her.

"Since coming in, in partnership with Duke's budget office, she's taken us from not being able to readily ascertain our financial position to confidently knowing where we stand," LeFevre said. "It's a huge weight off my shoulders because we continue to find revenue and expenses that need to be cleaned up to get a complete financial picture of what goes on at the Gardens. She's been invaluable to the process."

Flinn has become certified at Duke as a financial systems specialist and payroll representative. She said being flexible and learning things quickly is important.

"I'm somewhat unafraid of facing new challenges and figuring out how things are done," she said. "It's like working a puzzle. It's a fun experiment, and it's always valuable to have a good handle on new skills."

She's also focused on Sarah P. Duke Gardens and its history. She's worked with staff to pick up tips and information so she can be knowledgeable when faced with questions about Duke's historic green space.

"The purpose all of us share at the Gardens is an effort to make it a beautiful place where people want to spend their time," Flinn said. "It's about doing what we can - and taking on new tasks - to make sure our visitors have a wonderful experience."