Q&A with Ally Kuehl
Role: Business Administrator
Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper.
Business Administrator
- My role at CIRAS is on the operational wing and is split into three parts revolving around Finance, Reporting, and Third-Party Resources. My goal is to assist CIRAS staff in their day-to-day work while searching for efficiencies and solving problems that help them excel to their next level for our clients.
Q: What skills or experiences have prepared you for this job?
- I spent nearly a decade as a team lead in the healthcare industry, gaining comprehensive experience in business operations. Starting at the entry-level and advancing through the ranks, I developed expertise in contract negotiation, purchasing, personnel management, customer service excellence, and the intricacies of sales and revenue generation. This journey provided me with a solid foundation to adapt and thrive in any industry. From there, I transitioned into higher education and have further refined my project management skills, built strong campus-wide networks, and developed a passion for identifying and implementing system improvements to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Q: What types of companies do you work with?
- You’ll see me working primarily with our Third Party Resources through RFPs and onboarding, and with our clients and Third Party Resources on the invoicing side.
Q: What opportunities for advancement are available for companies by working with CIRAS?
- I believe the greatest opportunity for CIRAS clients lies in leveraging the expertise of our staff and collaborating across our Center to deliver tailored solutions that elevate their business to the next level.
Q: How do you stay updated on the latest developments or trends in manufacturing/government contracting?
- Ask questions! We have the experts in-house and our staff know the answers or where to find them.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
- My favorite part of my job is working with a diverse group of people who are passionate about serving the state of Iowa.
For more information, contact Ally Kuehl at akuehl@iastate.edu or 515-686-0299.