STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Staff Spotlight
In each issue, the FOCUS Newsletter spotlights an ABA staff member whose work deserves mention. Recently, our spotlight explores ideas around "redefinition," asking how staff professionals have grown in their careers while working in ABA, and what "redefine the possible," Sac State's new tagline, means to them.
Name: Serena Fuson
Position: Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police
ABA Department/Unit: Public Safety/Police Department
How long have you been with Sac State? I started working as a student assistant in the Information Resources & Technology division in 2002, so I have been employed at Sacramento State for over 12 years now (8 of those years as staff).
What are some examples of your duties? As the Executive Assistant, I provide high-level support to the chief and the department. I have a broad set of duties that range from scheduling of the chief’s calendar and special events to budget development and management, personnel administration and recruitment, communications, reports and special projects.
As part of my budget duties, I also manage equipment purchases, project expenses, event chargebacks and reimbursements for the department. Additionally, I research grant opportunities, and develop and write grants.
The communications aspects of my job include web development and maintenance and managing highly complex marketing and social media platforms, as well as written publications and documents for the department. I also initiate Emergency Notification System (ENS) messages for the campus.
Some of my reporting responsibilities include analyzing crime data and statistical data to prepare summary reports, such as quarterly reports, annual goals and objectives, statistical reports, project management/workflow reports and special project reports.
Some of the special projects I manage include campus-wide campaigns (ex., anti-bullying), coordination of events and training, chairing miscellaneous committees, and managing our central filing (confidential background records, training files, internal affairs files, department manuals, purchase orders, general files, employee files).
What have you done to promote positive change in your unit's processes since your appointment? I am the queen of organization, so I’d like to say that I play a big part in keeping the department organized, punctual with deadlines, and up-to-date with new and emerging tools, trends and workflows.
How has your job influenced your professional growth? My own personal measure of professional growth in a job is acquiring new skills and new knowledge. I continually progress in my career because I am not afraid to take on more challenging responsibilities. I manage several tasks that have a substantial and broad impact on our campus and with off-campus entities as well. Also, I am constantly seeking out training opportunities that keep my skills up-to-date, which ensures that I continue to make valuable contributions to my department.
What certifications do you hold? I hold a bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State in Business Administration, Finance.
Who are your primary customers? Students, faculty, staff, other federal/state/local law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
What are your biggest, yet most rewarding challenges? The greatest feeling comes from embracing challenges and exceeding my own expectations. My biggest and most rewarding challenges have been taking on new assignments and motivating myself for the new task at hand. Not only do I enjoy being actively involved in my department and on campus, I strive to make a difference.
What do you like best about your job? I love the people that I work with in the Police Department and I love the fact that I get to be the "voice" for our department. I get to write about the great work, accomplishments, and awards of my co-workers. I also get to let everyone know about the services offered by my department via social media, reports, and other outlets on the web and in print.
What is your favorite aspect of working on campus? I love networking with other professionals on campus.
How would someone contact you? People can contact me by phone at (916) 278-7321, by e-mail at sfuson@csus.edu, or in person by stopping by my office in the Police Department.
What does the new initiative "Redefine the Possible" mean to you? I think the old saying "that is how we have always done it" is something that needs to be deleted from our lexicon. Instead, we should be constantly looking to improve our business practices and use feedback from our community to help drive those changes. I think that the Police Department’s move toward improved communications, using modern platforms, has made a big difference in our overall effectiveness. I am happy to be able to keep pushing that part of the initiative forward.
