Division of Administration Innovation Steward Profile: Michelle Doane          

Great ideas generated out in the field aren't always getting submitted into the innovation funnel. The main culprit is not an unwillingness, but rather just not knowing how. So to remove that barrier, innovation stewards were added in each district and division to facilitate the submission of ideas. These innovation stewards may not be extremely well known.

To combat that, we've started doing profiles on these folks. Here's the latest - Division of Administration Innovation Steward Michelle Doane, who has been a steward for about a year.

What intrigued you about this role?
M.D.: "Innovation is interesting and fun. Being able to talk to people and help them with their ideas is such a rush."

Are there common misperceptions you often hear that prove to hinder the process of submitting ideas?
M.D.: "I don't hear much about obstacles in the process. Many times, it's about finding the time to get it written down and then trying to figure out the savings."

How would you answer those concerns?
M.D.: "Call me if you need help getting through the process. I'm happy to help and can work with you to figure out the savings!"

What have you found to be most rewarding about the position or the process?
M.D.: "I love change and it's so awesome to see all the great things people can think up. I like to randomly "troll" the ideas to see if there is anything I can help turn into an implemented innovation. I've contacted maintenance people in district 4 to learn about an idea for delineation around corners and a maintenance person in District 6 to learn out their idea to save money on plow blades. It's really fun to talk to new people and learn about the work they do!"

Published 08-25-17