JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – This week we’re highlighting Maria Lodico, chief of the business systems management branch for Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Business Information Systems and Mission Support Directorate.
Lodico spent nearly 20 years in the private sector before bringing her skills and experience in the world of innovation integration to federal service. Today, her team finds ways to drive more efficient and effective solutions for the AFCEC mission.
She took some time to share the importance and impact of her team’s mission.
Why did you join civil service?
After 18 years supporting Air Force and Army projects in the private sector, I joined civil service to make a meaningful difference. I’ve brought my experience in innovation integration and streamlining complex projects to AFCEC, helping improve information technology systems.
Why do you serve and what keeps you serving?
I serve because I want to contribute to something larger than myself and help support our mission and people. What keeps me serving is the opportunity to make a real impact through meaningful work and continuous growth.
What do you love about your job?
What I love most about my job is the opportunity to tackle complex challenges through innovation and collaboration, especially by leveraging IT and data-driven initiatives that are shaping the future of AFCEC. Supporting the various directorates across AFCEC, I work closely with stakeholders both inside and outside the organization to coordinate efforts and deliver efficient, effective solutions. It’s rewarding to contribute to critical missions by ensuring our technology systems meet today’s needs and are adaptable for tomorrow’s challenges. Knowing that our work empowers teams across the enterprise.
When it comes to your job, what keeps you motivated?
What keeps me motivated is knowing that the work I do directly supports important missions and makes a real difference for the people and teams relying on our technology. I’m also driven by the constant opportunity to learn, innovate and solve new challenges that help move the organization forward.
Why are you and your team important to the Department of the Air Force?
My team and I are essential to the Air and Space Force enterprise because we enable mission success by ensuring IT systems are secure, efficient and aligned with strategic goals. We support our customers by driving innovation, managing critical data initiatives, and coordinating across multiple stakeholders to deliver solutions that empower operational excellence.
Describe a project or event you and your team worked on recently that gave you a great sense of accomplishment:
Recently, my team accomplished two key efforts that gave us a great sense of pride. First, we launched the monthly Enterprise Data Capability Collaboration Team meetings, which have significantly improved communication and alignment across different data stakeholders. Second, we stood up the SharePoint Core 4 Integration board, creating a centralized platform that reviews SharePoint requirements and improves the user experience through content/knowledge management, making collaboration more efficient across the enterprise.
How does what you do support AFIMSC’s strategic priorities?
What I do helps support AFIMSC’s priorities by making sure we secure the right funding for IT systems, acquisitions and cybersecurity to keep things running smoothly and securely. This allows for better data-driven decision making that strengthens our Airmen, Guardians and their families by giving them the tools they need to be ready and effective. Plus, by focusing on innovation and teamwork, we help drive organizational excellence and boost the warfighter culture across the board.
I power the world’s greatest Air Force by…
… ensuring our IT systems and data-driven initiatives are secure, reliable and innovative to give our Airmen and Guardians the tools they need to stay mission-ready and ahead of the curve.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I really enjoy spending time outdoors camping, biking and kayaking. It’s a great way for me to recharge and connect with nature. I also like painting, which helps me relax and get creative. As an avid reader, when I’m not outdoors or painting, I’m usually diving into a good book.