Meet Rose McKee of The Claude W. Benedum Foundation!

TNotes:  What is your “real” job title?
RM:  Director of Administration and Secretary of the Foundation
 
TNotes:  Why are you considered an accidental techie?
RM:  I do not have formal training as a technology specialist, but because of my interests my job includes managing the technology as well as coordinating communications and our website.  In the years I’ve worked at the Foundation I’ve seen technology evolve and always like trying new things and trying to match technology tools to the needs of the users. 

TNotes:  What do you like best about dealing with your organization’s technology?
RM:  I like being involved in all aspects of the Foundation’s work and technology has a place in all facets -- its grants programming, accounting, administration, communication.  It gives me an opportunity to work with all staff members and get to know about their jobs and what they are trying to accomplish.

TNotes:  What do you least like about dealing with your organization’s technology?
RM:  Being involved in all aspects of the Foundation’s work!  Often the time-critical needs of a staff member having a technology problem means putting other duties aside.  Also, the need to explore potential solutions and related software/hardware can involve large amounts of time, only to find out that it may not be the best fit and I need to start researching again.

TNotes:  What is your big dream for technology in your organization?
RM:  Ensuring that we are using the software applications to the best advantage; sharing ‘best practices’ among staff members; consolidating efforts to streamline the paper process.  I think the payback would be financial and environmental, as well as higher job satisfaction.

TNotes:  How do you manage your role as an accidental techie?
RM:  I have the benefit of a computer consultant that manages our network, helps with planning, and is on-call for things that I can’t handle.  I still find that even with a small staff there is not a day that I don’t have someone asking for some type of technology support, so it does require flexibility on my part and understanding on the part of our staff.

TNotes:  You are a regular attendee at one of the Bayer Center’s Bagels & Bytes groups – what do you get from going to those meetings?
RM:  Bagels & Bytes is a wonderful opportunity to talk with others, develop perspective on technology issues that I’m facing, and gain information on a wide variety of ever-changing issues.

TNotes:  Any words of advice or encouragement for other accidental techies out there?
RM:  Remember that technology is a ‘tool’ not a solution; the solution can only be identified by working with the people involved.  Also remember that the speed with which technology changes means that it will require continual adjustments as it is implemented and used over time.