Special Spotlight Insert
Sedillo
banks on bright future for faith, family, UNM
By Laurie
Mellas Ramirez
In
June, Peggy Sedillo will be stationed roadside near Chimayo,
N.M., to support some of the 400 Catholics who pledge to walk
100 miles during the Pilgrimage for Vocations, designed
to inspire youth to be nuns, sisters, deacons and priests.
The effort
speaks to Sedillos nature. At UNM, she nurtures staff
who tread into new territory.
As coordinator
of the Purchasing Card Program, intended to simplify the procurement
and payment process, reduce transaction-processing cost, and
allow greater flexibility, she is noted to be helpful, thorough
and conscientious.
She
told us she is available day or night to help as we learn the
process, said Jane Everhart, administrative assistant
II.
A Sunwest
Bank employee for a decade, six years ago Sedillo was temporarily
assigned to UNMs Purchasing Department to assist with
implementing the Purchasing Card program. When Sunwest merged
with Bank of America she was laid off, but soon after UNM hired
her fulltime.
It
was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was blessed to
get this job and I bring a lot of banking experience,
she said.
She currently
oversees two assistants, Melissa Cordero and Dan Cosper, and
is responsible for all activities related to the purchasing
card from issuance to training users and tracking purchases.
Since 1997,
the card has been available to UNM employees and can be used
for purchases not exceeding $1,000 unless a lower limit has
been preset by a department.
It
almost mirrors the SPO (Small Purchase Order). Its accepted
anywhere Visa is accepted. It empowers the user to buy goods,
materials and supplies on behalf of the University on the spot
as they need them, Sedillo said.
Isnt
that risky business?
It
empowers the user, but it also gives the user more responsibility,
she cautioned. We do everything possible to run a solid,
fraud free program.
Risk is
controlled through a process that includes a formal review of
every document and periodic audits. The 43-page policies and
procedures manual Sedillo authored guides cardholders through
the realities of do-it-yourself finance. Purchases are still
authorized and each transaction is logged and then reconciled
monthly.
The card
offers many perks. For example, users can log onto the HigherMarkets
Web site and shop with selected vendors while taking advantage
of University contracted pricing.
Once
card holders start using the P-Card and go through a few bank
cycles theyre excited about it, she said.
Sedillo
tests software regularly in an effort to improve service. Users
will find additional ease with a new Web-based application premiering
May 2003. And small purchases will be electronically automated
after implementation of Project LINK (Linking Information Networks
and Knowledge).
Leo, husband
of 18 years, and her children, Charlene, 17, and Mateo, 15,
keep Sedillo busy at home, too. In addition to helping with
the pilgrimage, she is active in other ways with her church
and frequently fundraises for youth projects. This is her first
time serving as a trucker for the pilgrimage.
We
are trying to spark interest in our youth. [The church] needs
new priests and deacons, she says.