There’s a new face around the Ironton City Center these days.

Janie Nichols was hired recently as the mayor’s secretary. She replaces Katrina Keith, who is now the city’s claims specialist.

Nichols, an Ironton resident, heard about the job and applied. She was working at the Ashland Wal-Mart in the cash office at night and going to Ohio University Southern during the day to get a degree in business administration.

She said it’s a little different being out with the public again but she likes it.

“I had missed being with the public, I was in banking for years,” she said. “I really enjoy what I’m doing now.”

She said she is figuring out exactly what all her job entails.

“There is a lot. I am still figuring it out,” she said with a laugh. “I talk to a lot of people on the phone and try to help everybody I can help.”

She also schedules the mayor’s appointments and meetings, prepares for city council and does whatever comes her way.

“It can get overwhelming sometimes,” Nichols admitted.

She said the most unexpected part of her job is working in a political office.

“I guess where I have never been in a political office, I didn’t really know what to expect,” she said. “I’m learning every day.”

She said she was also surprised by the amount of paperwork that goes through the office.

“But Katrina has been a good teacher,” Nichols said. “She is very nice and been very informative.”

Nichols said she is getting used to work day hours again.

“I’m just now beginning to realize I can work around the house and the yard. And I’m out of school for the summer,” she said. “Right now, I’m trying to do some remodeling on the inside and getting the pool ready outside.”

Nichols said she is going to continue going to OUS and finish her degree.

“I’ll just have to take evening classes now,” she said.