Aundra Williams joined the IDOT team eight years ago. He spent five years as section chief of Procurement before being named bureau chief of Business Services (BoBS). Born and raised in Springfield, Williams still calls the city home today.

Here are some of his thoughts about his job and life outside of IDOT.

What is your current job at IDOT?

My current job entails overseeing Business Services, composed of the following sections: Procurement, Grants, Financial Services, Fleet and Facilities, Capital Improvements, and Quality and Document Management Services.

What’s the most important impact of your work?

The most important impact of my work is being able to assist the agency with a wide array of services. BoBS is in charge of procuring contracts, paying vendors, executing grants, dealing with facility wants and needs, overseeing capital improvements and making sure all forms are up to date, easily accessible and meet the needs of the end users. BoBS touches a little bit of everything to help ensure the department has everything it needs to do our jobs efficiently.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

Being able to work with a phenomenal staff on a daily basis. My staff routinely goes above and beyond to fix and prevent issues. It’s a joy to be a part of.

Anything to tell us about your department?

ln my opinion, BoBS is the ultimate service bureau. Our job is to do all of the things that may go unnoticed  to ensure the rest of the agency can effectively do their jobs.

What prepared you for your current role?

I have 20 years of state government experience at multiple agencies, including the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Central Management Services and Chief Procurement Office, in several areas, such as finance, budgeting, procurement, grants, accounting, personnel and disaster response.

How do you contribute to your community?

I have been a Department of Children and Family Services mentor, a youth coach in several sports and an active volunteer in the Springfield community my entire adult life.

What do you like to do outside the office?

I love attending sporting events, especially when my kids are competing. I also enjoy coaching youth sports and traveling with my family.

Anything else you’d like people to know about you?

I love working at IDOT with all the intelligent, interesting, hardworking people I’ve crossed paths with since coming here in 2014.