In our In the Spotlight series, we periodically introduce you to one of Kreischer Miller’s team members by interviewing them about a variety of topics. We hope you enjoy this firsthand look into lives of our team members – both inside and outside of the office!
For this post we’ve interviewed Michele Foulke, Director, Internal Technology. Michele joined Kreischer Miller in 2006. When she's not at work, Michele enjoys exercising and going to concerts!
Watch Michele's interview here:
What are your responsibilities at Kreischer Miller?
I lead the Information Technology department and help determine the technical vision of the firm. I am responsible for all networking, servers, computers, phone system, and security.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days are never typical. I always have a list of things to do but they usually get overridden by other people’s requests.
What are you currently working on?
These are just a few of the several projects I’m working on:
- Finishing up details related to our recent office move
- Working to switch the firm’s internet and phone provider
- Developing the technology budget for next year
- Working with other employees on a records and information inventory project
- Implementing a mobile device management system with my coworker
What experience or skills help you be successful in your current role?
Organization skills, being detail-oriented, writing good documentation, and my technical training and past technical experience. But the biggest factors are probably being easygoing and getting along with others. These skills get me through stressful situations and provide me with a team of people willing to help.
What aspects of your job do you like most?
I like that my job is a challenge and I enjoy learning new technology. I also love the people in my group! We are all friends which is important when you are with someone 40-50 hours per week.
What was your first job?
I was a waitress at a family-owned diner. My best friend and I both worked there so it was a fun environment. I learned a lot in that position, specifically about relationship building between employees as well as with customers. I also learned that waitressing is a fast-paced and tiring job!
Who has been your most important mentor?
My sister Diane. She has always been there to guide me and give me advice as I was growing up. She was the first to go to college and show me how to be successful on my own. She has tackled several challenges, and always seems to do it with a smile.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the office?
I love my Barre3 exercise classes. They keep me physically in shape as well as help me relax after a long day. I also enjoy music, concerts, and movies. I’ve been to between six and 10 concerts this year and I’m also an AMC Stubs Premiere member.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
I love the water so any spot near it is good with me! My husband and I have always been travelers and we’ve raised our kids exploring the country and the Caribbean.
What’s your favorite app on your phone?
It’s a tie between Spotify and Waze. Music has always been a big release for me. I enjoy and am amazed at musicians’ talents whether it’s songwriting, playing an instrument, or singing. Waze usually gets me around the Philly traffic and helps me be on time.
Name five things you couldn’t live without.
Easy…my husband, my three sons, and chocolate.
What would surprise people about you?
Until this year, it was that I have curly hair. I used to blow dry it straight ever since I was a teenager but decided in the summer of 2019 to let it go natural. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it that I think it’s a style that I’ll keep. No more hot summer mornings with a blow dryer!
Michele Foulke can be reached at Email or 215.441.4600.
Also check out: