News from DAS

newsletter header for spring

DAS renews Strategic Plan

Katy Coba

Update from Katy Coba, State COO

A rewarding thing is happening at DAS. Following the June release of a renewed Strategic Plan, staff across DAS have begun posting the plan in their cubicles and work areas. They are internalizing the mission statement and vision, and in one example from our IT shop, they have even begun aligning project charters with the Strategic Plan’s key goals. I applaud their initiative!

We want to share the plan with you, our customers and stakeholders, and communicate a renewed commitment to our mission: We support state government to serve the people of Oregon.

The DAS Strategic Plan is customer focused so you will find the word “agencies” repeated often, and our values emphasize the fundamentals of collaboration. As you work with your constituents and serve your customers, DAS is working, often in the background, to help you succeed in fulfilling your agency’s mission, as together we further the Governor’s vision.

-Katy 

Craig tapped to lead DAS communications

Elizabeth Craig

Elizabeth (Liz) Craig joined DAS as Communications Director in February. Prior to this role, she served as the Communications Administrator for the Oregon Department of Corrections, where she oversaw all aspects of internal communications, external communications and legislative relations.

“Liz has spent the last 12 years dedicated to excellence in communications in state government both at DOC and at ODOT,” said COO and DAS Director Katy Coba. “I am excited to have her join us. Her background, skills and professionalism are just what we need to meet the challenge of communicating well in a complex environment.” Liz’s portfolio at DAS includes strategic communications, media relations and managing public records requests. She is also overseeing legislative relations on an interim basis.

Prior to working for the state, Liz spent several years working in community affairs in the non-profit sector, including doing community outreach for a transition program at Oregon’s only women’s prison. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in strategic communications from the University of Oregon. You can reach Liz at 503-378-3118 or elizabeth.craig@oregon.gov

Accounting and finance professionals recognized

For the 26th consecutive year, Oregon has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.  

To receive a Certificate of Achievement, state government must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized CAFR and it must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements. As part of its report back to the state, the GFOA considered Oregon’s fiscal year 2017 CAFR to be proficient in all 17 assessed categories. That the 259-page CAFR, which encompasses financial data reported within 51 funds, 11 semi-independent organizations, 25 note disclosures, and 16 statistical schedules, was proficient in all areas is a testament to the professionalism and hard work of accounting and finance professionals throughout state government. This award is truly a team effort and DAS would like to recognize the critical role of state agencies; Oregon state government would not earn this award without their support and commitment to excellence.

Workday Project — training is coming

The Workday Project team receives one question more regularly than any other: “When can we see Workday?” Since Workday’s go-live date shifted from June to fall (2018), the project team’s training unit continues to refine how Oregon state government employees will receive system previews, training and tutorials. The “how” and “how frequently” surrounding training depends upon each employee’s security roles, which will be determined by mid-August. Then, training will launch.

Click on the graphic below for an overview of roles within Workday.

security roles in Workday

Many agency HR leaders have had sneak peeks of Workday. Here are some comments:

  • In terms of the overall system, Cindy Forest (HR Director, Oregon Military Department) is “excited to see [Workday] in action.” The committee agenda and minute-taking functionality, Forest adds, “will be a great feature.”
  • Regarding specific system functionality, Cynthia Gregory (HR Analyst, Department of Human Services) notes, “While showing the org chart view, two of our data analyst staff had a moment of joyful tears when seeing the power of Workday’s organizational view in just a few keystrokes.”

The project team looks forward to sharing more training information soon. Visit the Workday Project’s newsletter archive for detailed project information. Links to informational handouts, FAQ and social media are accessible through the workday.oregon.gov website.

Summer internships underway

The next generation of state employees has started its summer intern experience in Oregon state government. From Lottery, to Oregon Fish and Wildlife, to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, enthusiastic interns are serving and learning in multiple jobs in agencies across the state. 

You can help enhance their experience by encouraging them to attend summer lunch-and-learns. These are great opportunities for networking and learning more about state government. Email DAS CHRO with questions.

NEWS FROM DAS

JULY 2018 EDITION



IN THIS ISSUE:

  • DAS renews Strategic Plan
  • Craig tapped to lead DAS communications
  • Accounting and finance professionals recognized
  • Workday Project - training is coming
  • Summer internships underway
  • Charitable Fund Drive training announced
  • Customer of DAS Surplus Property nationally recognized




BE A FUND DRIVE COORDINATOR

Are you a great project manager? Do you plan a lot of office celebrations? Want to help Oregon nonprofits?

The Employees’ Charitable Fund Drive needs volunteers, like you! The annual drive raises $800,000 or more for Oregon’s nonprofit community, is recruiting agency coordinators for this fall’s drive. 

Training for large agencies will occur in July, and if you work for a small agency or want to manage the campaign in just your office or work area, training will occur in August.

Email the Charitable Fund Drive or call 503-223-9015 to find out more!

 



SURPLUS PROPERTY CUSTOMER FEATURE

firefighting Humvees


South Sherman Fire and Rescue recently was named a finalist in the 2017 Donee of the Year program of the National Association of State Agencies for Surplus Property. The award program serves to educate the public on the effective use of surplus property. 


South Sherman obtains much of its firefighting equipment from the federal surplus property available through DAS. Access to federal surplus helps the local agency stretch its $50,000 annual budget and obtain needed vehicles and equipment to protect residents.   

Learn more about South Sherman's use of surplus property from the NASASP newsletter (featured on p. 6). 

 


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