National Life’s Administrative Professionals are invaluable partners that are crucial to the success of our business. In recognition of Administrative Professionals Day on April 26, we’ve been highlighting a few of our administrative professional colleagues this month.
This week, we get to learn more about Christina D’Agostino, Executive Assistant to CIO Tom Anfuso.
Did you know that Christina is a third generation Vermonter? Here’s what Christina shared with us about her personal and professional life.
Tell us a little about yourself;
I’m a native Vermonter and the descendant of a culturally rich family – my great grandfather emigrated here from Italy, by way of Ellis Island. When he realized that early-1900’s New York City was not an ideal place to raise a family, he decided to relocate to Vermont. My grandfather was a barber in downtown Barre. He owned a barbershop where Boisvert’s is now located. On the flip side, my mother is a native of South Korea. It’s a true twist of two very different cultures!
I am an idealist and the environment is one of my passions. After high school I attended the University of Rhode Island (Go Rams!) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Do you ever wonder why seagulls poop on people? Stop by my desk and I’ll tell you. I spent a summer studying seagull behavior on the Isle of Shoals.
My husband Aaron and I are about to celebrate five years of marriage. He’s originally from Mystic, CT, and affectionately known as the resident “flatlander” to our local friends and family. I’m still trying to convince him that a “creemee” is the actual technical term for soft serve ice cream and that fake maple syrup is a cardinal sin. It’s a work in progress.
Our three-year-old son, Flynn, keeps us on our toes! His current aspirations are to a) be Batman, b) be Superman, and c) eat as many cookies as possible while his mom and dad aren’t watching.
We have two dogs of our own, and also foster through a non-profit rescue. We are currently fostering a 5 month old puppy – if you’re interested in adopting, please let me know!
Tigger (right) is available for adoption!
What’s your favorite part of working at National Life?
Definitely the “secret sauce”— the people and the culture. I’ve never worked for a company that makes you feel as valued and cared about as a person. It makes a HUGE difference in the overall work environment. I also have to add that the IT department is pretty awesome – and I’m not just saying that because I work there. It’s a driven group that’s dedicated to putting the customer first. The team has really made it a priority to help accelerate the business.
What would surprise your coworkers to know about you?
I have a really cheesey vice for all things 1980’s….bring back the Mullett!