Before OIT services can be rolled out to agencies and Coloradans, there has to be enough funding to make them happen. And just like your personal budget, any one part of the budget has to be weighed against all of the other needs and priorities.
Crystal Mikolajczak keeps OIT’s Network team on track by monitoring spending, forecasting budget needs, anticipating changes in demand and planning for years down the road so that OIT sets state agencies up for success in delivering their own services. It’s a job that requires two completely different skill sets.
“The best part of my job, to me, is getting to blend the analytical with soft skills on a daily basis: I love being able to analyze and summarize data, then create a presentation based on said data, and finally present that information to my team, my service owner, and other shareholders within OIT,” Crystal says.
By providing high-quality data, the team can make the best, most informed financial decisions possible for their services, plan for the future, and continue to provide valuable services to other departments, which in turn serve the people of Colorado. This critical work happens quietly behind the scenes but is essential for guiding and keeping services on track.
“Receiving the award for teamwork is such an honor for me because working to create stronger team relationships is absolutely at the heart of what I do as an IT Financial Analyst,” Crystal says. “I always try to make it my priority to ensure that I am providing the best possible information to the individuals I am working with in a way that is engaging, interesting, helpful and efficient. And if I can make someone smile in the process, that is an added bonus!”