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IDOT Blog – Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Employee Spotlight: Zipporah Williams, Material Support Manager
Zipporah Williams is a dedicated 20-year IDOT veteran who says her blood runs orange. After holding two other positions since she arrived at IDOT, Williams is currently serving as the material support manager in District 1, which serves the Chicago area and its collar counties.
Here are some of her thoughts about her job and life outside of IDOT.
Have you filled other roles at IDOT?
I’ve held two other positions during my 20 years here at IDOT. I started out in Personnel making sure that all employees were paid on time each pay period. After four years, the door to Financial Services was opened, and I was allowed to spread my orange happiness there for 14 years. During that time, I saw the whole department change with new faces, but I was still able to make sure all my assigned vendors were paid in a timely fashion.
Tell me about your current job?
I provide a wide range of support service for the Bureau of Materials. My job is to fulfill the bureau’s administrative responsibilities, manage the bureau’s budget, procure necessary commodities and equipment, and maintain the bureau’s automotive and repair records.
What’s the most important impact of your work?
Making sure I adhere to the guidelines of the Vehicle Coordinators Guide and making sure our vehicles are safe and in good working condition for the safety of my co-workers who have been assigned a vehicle.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
Knowing that I have a great degree of control and freedom within my job. I’m trusted to produce high-quality work and results. I love that my job enables me to love and enjoy my other passions in life. I love that I’m able to bring a smile to my co-workers when I decorate the office for each holiday. It makes my day and puts a big smile on my face when I get a positive reaction from my words of inspiration board.
Anything to tell us about your department?
The Bureau of Materials is responsible for establishing policies and procedures that provide for the quality assurance of material. To ensure that quality materials are used in highway projects, IDOT maintains a system of sampling, testing, documentation and reporting of test results. There are approximately 25 external laboratories approved to conduct tests on behalf of IDOT.
What prepared you for your current role?
Life! From each position I’ve ever had, I learned the most important thing is communication and time management. You have to be able to communicate with your co-workers to work as a team. Time management helps everybody work efficiently and cohesively.
How else do you contribute?
Outside of my regular duties, I am an Employee Assistance Program coordinator. I love helping when and where I can. I’m the vice president of our special events committee in District 1, and I volunteer my extra time with the Records and Information Management committee.
What do you like to do outside the office?
When I’m not at work, I love singing (church, weddings, funerals, birthdays, etc.), traveling out of the country and making people smile.