Employee Spotlight September 2024: Scout Harris, City Hall receptionist

Those who have met the City of Jacksonville’s new front desk receptionist at City Hall, Scout Harris, already know she’s outgoing.
But for those who haven’t yet stopped by, Harris is our cheery, blonde-haired greeter who is just about a sunbeam personified, ready to help visitors with whatever they need. Harris joined the Jacksonville team in March this year, working directly with the city clerk’s office at City Hall to ensure visitors and callers get the help they need.
Most often, that’s guidance around the new building or directing calls to the proper departments. Sometimes, it’s reminding people what state we’re in.
“I get calls for the Jacksonvilles in Florida, Texas and Oregon all the time,” Harris shared this week. “I even keep the Jacksonville, Florida city hall number handy.”
She’s always been outgoing, Harris explained, and much of her work experience has been in some form of customer service or otherwise in direct contact with the public.
When she isn’t working, she’s all about family time. Harris comes from the Nance’s Creek area, where she and her husband, Hunter, live in her great grandparents’ house. Right next door are her grandparents, across the road are her mom and stepdad, and just down the road from there are her aunt and uncle, she said, and much of her free time is spent spending time with all of them (along with their dogs, Lizzy and Lilo, and their cats Greta and Angus).
Harris said she hopes to continue her career growth working for the city, possibly moving into clerk positions with city departments, as some prior city receptionists have done. Meantime, she’s ready to greet people with a smile and get them where they need to be.
“I’m here to help, and whatever you’ve got going on, I’ll help you or find somebody that can,” Harris said — with a smile, naturally.