Longtime Assistant to Ob/Gyn Chair Retires

When Yale Ob/Gyn Chair Hugh Taylor, MD, first met Robin Vollono, he immediately saw her potential to be the department's face.

“She is always the consummate professional: reliable, friendly, and conscientious,” says Taylor. “Everyone who comes into the chair’s office and meets Robin describes their encounter as a delight.”

After 15 years at Yale, 12 of those as Taylor’s administrative assistant, Vollono has decided to retire. Her last official day was October 1.

Vollono was first hired as a full-time administrative assistant for the REI Division, supporting several faculty.

“I enjoyed working with that group of physicians and learning about Yale,” she says. “Dr. Taylor was the REI section chief at that time.”

In October 2012, Vollono transitioned to the main administrative office when Dr. Taylor became head.

“One of the things I’ve most appreciated about working in the chair’s office is having the unique opportunity to encounter all faculty and staff in the department. It solidified for me what a special place Yale Ob/Gyn is,” says Vollono. “Dr. Taylor truly believes in the department's mission, improving women’s health care, and is also passionate about making the department the best it can be. He’s always a pleasure to work with,” added Vollono. “My co-workers in the chair’s office also make coming to work fun. We’ve made a great team.”

Colleen Goble, associate director of faculty and staff affairs, first interviewed Vollono and says she knew she’d be a perfect fit, not only for Taylor, but the department as a whole.

“Everyone who meets Robin would agree that she always represents Dr. Taylor and the office of the chair positively and professionally,” Goble says. “She is just genuinely a kind person!”

“Ditto,” says Amy Chmiel, another senior administrative assistant who supports leadership in the chair’s office. “She is one of the most gracious colleagues I’ve worked with.”

“While it is a tremendous loss to the department, we can all be comforted knowing she will continue part-time after retirement,” says Taylor.

At least for now, Vollono can still be seen most Mondays and Tuesdays at her same desk in the office of the chair. What’s next? She says her focus will shift to spending more time with family – especially her grandkids – and special projects around the house. Time well-deserved.

Congratulations from us all.