The PA Projects Tools and Process Development project represents a pivotal initiative to refine and optimize the project management system within Public Affairs (PA) at the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). As one of the primary project lead, my role encompasses the strategic design and implementation of essential tools and processes utilizing the Microsoft 365 suite.

In response to the migration to Microsoft and the subsequent loss of the previous project management system, Asana, our team embarked on a journey to leverage the functionalities of various Microsoft tools, including Teams, SharePoint, Lists, Planner, Project for the Web, Forms, and more. My responsibilities involved designing cohesive connections between these tools to create an integrated and efficient project management ecosystem.

The project unfolds in a series of meticulously planned steps, beginning with the reception of PA project requests and culminating in the setup of client communication threads. Each step is intricately designed to streamline communication, task assignment, and collaboration among team members. Additionally, establishing a central hub in Teams, organizing meeting notes in OneNote, and creating client communication channels represent key milestones in this ongoing endeavor.

This project underscores our commitment to enhancing productivity and collaboration within PA by empowering team members with user-friendly tools and standardized processes. By developing a comprehensive framework tailored to our specific needs, we aim to foster a culture of efficiency, transparency, and seamless project management across the department. As we continue to refine and optimize our project management system, we remain dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in our project delivery practices.