3 minute read
Staff Spotlight: Lisa Bender
Staff Spotlight: Lisa Bender, Inventory Control/Purchasing Specialist
Tell us about yourself.
Hello—my name is Lisa Bender. I have worked for the City of Snohomish for 26 years. I started my career in 1996 as the front counter receptionist at City Hall. I was able to personally meet with the community I serve on a daily basis. Through the years, I was promoted to several different job positions, including Meter Reader, Utility Billing Technician, Accounting Technician, and Inventory Control/Purchasing Specialist, which is the role I currently have.
I am proud to call Snohomish home. I grew up in Clearview on a small farm with horses, chickens, and rabbits. I attended Snohomish schools, graduating from Snohomish High School---Go Panthers! My husband and I raised our family here and have lived in the City limits for over 30 years. Not only did we raise our children here, but three of my six grandchildren are also growing up in town. This will be the 4th generation to graduate from Snohomish schools. Snohomish is my home, and I genuinely care about the community I serve. I consider it an honor and privilege to both work and live in a place that holds many special memories.
What do you enjoy about your job?
As with most positions at the City, our jobs are multi-faceted, and most of us wear many hats that are not reflected in our job titles. One of my favorite job duties is working with the community. From taking reservations for our parks facilities to being involved in the planning and completion of volunteer projects, from the very small individual tasks to the large major projects, each event is an opportunity to get to know and work with our community on a personal level. It can be challenging and also very rewarding.
What is the biggest challenge you are working on right now?
As the Inventory Control Specialist, I am responsible for purchasing many day-today supplies and assisting with larger specialty purchases such as equipment and vehicles. So much has changed in procurement because of the pandemic. There is limited inventory due to supply chain issues, and keeping up with the rising cost of supplies while supporting local businesses can be difficult. Government purchasing comes with very specific guidelines, rules, and regulations that we must follow - so trying to keep the balance is very important. COVID has brought many changes to our processes and procedures, and I, like so many others, are relearning the “new normal” every day.
How do you enjoy your time off, and why?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My husband and I are so grateful and blessed to have such a close family, including extended family and an amazing group of lifetime friends. For the past 25+ years, June through September, we spend each weekend camping at our off-grid recreational property next to the Wenatchee River. Not only did our children grow up camping in these woods, but our grandkids also spend their summers there. We have made many memories swimming and floating the river, kayaking, paddle boarding, cycling, and riding dirt bikes. The memories we have made are priceless, and we know the tradition will carry on for years to come.
When we are not camping, there is nothing I like better than working in my garden.
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