Oregon State Department honors budget team's 99.9% success in fund management

The recent Foreign Affairs Day Celebration highlighted the exceptional performance of the budget team at the Department of Technology (DT), as acknowledged by a senior official during the event. The official praised the team for consistently delivering 99.9% of committed and obligated funds annually, a remarkable achievement given the department's budget growth to $1.3 billion at the time of retirement. This efficiency not only reflects the team's financial management skills but also their commitment to honoring the Prompt Payment Act, ensuring invoices are paid on time.

The official emphasized the importance of collaboration and leadership within the department, crediting several key figures for their contributions to the organization’s success. Notable mentions included Doug Pitkin, whose strategic planning and budgeting efforts have evolved significantly, and Susan Swart, recognized for her courageous leadership in implementing innovative procurement strategies. Karen Moomau was also highlighted for her mission-focused approach and high expectations, while Al Bowden, the current Deputy CIO for cybersecurity, was commended for his guidance and support during challenging times.

The discussions underscored the department's cautious approach to change, balancing innovation with the need for stability. The official expressed gratitude for the extraordinary talent within the organization, viewing it as a privilege to serve alongside such dedicated professionals.

In addition to recognizing individual contributions, the meeting touched on the potential for expanding language incentive pay for certain programming languages, indicating a commitment to enhancing workforce capabilities. This initiative aims to attract and retain skilled professionals in a competitive field, further strengthening the department's mission.

Overall, the Foreign Affairs Day Celebration served as a platform to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the DT team, while also addressing future goals and the importance of continued collaboration in achieving the department's objectives.