Reflections: Jody McCann, Wisconsin

"Reflections" is an occasional series featuring brief interviews with a NASTD member nearing retirement.

Jody McCann, former NASTD president and the current Network Domain Manager for the Division of Enterprise Technology in Wisconsin, contributed the following thoughts.

What was your first or most memorable job in state government?  My first job was as a capital budget analyst, working in the Department of Administration for the state's Building Commission.  I had Corrections as an assignment and wrote budget decision items which resulted in the construction of two multi-million dollar prisons.  My most memorable job was my time as the Director of the Bureau of Telecommunications.  I served in that capacity from 1988 until 2000 and was fortunate to serve on the NASTD Executive Board for a total of five years during that time.

How did being a member of NASTD help you accomplish projects within your state agency? NASTD is an organization where there is always someone who has done what you are trying to do or something like it.  They are always willing to share and if they don't have direct knowledge of what you want to do, they are still encouraging and helpful. 
What NASTD member(s) had the biggest impact on your professional career and why?  The list is long, some reasons noble and some just plain fun.  I would have to mention Glen Mayne, Ray Penrod, Bob Dixon, Tony Herbert, David Ballard and Gail Wekenborg.  I'll leave the speculation on the reasons to the reader!  I also think the staff, Sandra [Cabot], Karen, Wayne, Pam and Jenny have had an impact on the organization and by association me as well. 
How has communications technology changed state government during your career?  Well when we put away the Pony Express quirts, things just started changing so fast, I can barely remember.  I got voice mail into Wisconsin state government even though the Secretary's Office hated it by starting a pilot that eventually grew to thousands of lines and was inescapably important as a business tool.  The biggest change is that we are finally implementing a converged network which was first seriously discussed in about 1986. 
What has been your most rewarding accomplishment in state government?  The aforementioned VM "trial", being able to really help one of our Tribal Nations, building a professional, flatly organized Telecommunications management team, and as NASTD president, making sure we would have our first female president. 
Would you encourage new college graduate to consider a civil service career? Yes I still would.  There are rewards beyond the financial and our benefits are still good.  Pick an area and give it a try, if you don't like it move on to the private sector but leave your accumulated pension in the state's system.
"Retirement is for the birds" Agree? Disagree? Why?  If this means you can fly wherever you want I agree!  I have a lot of interests outside of work and expect to be just as busy as I am now with more time to fly (kites) and make them. Some technogeek from Kentucky even has me riding a tricycle again. Additionally we will travel and support a number of charitable and volunteer organizations.  Maybe someday I'll even have grandchildren.  My wife, Peggy says I'll make a good grandpa.