Career Path & HSOG Experience
Twenty years ago, Zavitkovski moved to Portland and stepped into a world of social services, homeless shelters, and housing assistance. For her, the work was more than just a job or an opportunity—it was her calling! She enjoyed making a difference, but the drive to instigate systemic changes led her to consider what steps to take next.
With Zavitkovski’s work experience she had with two non-profit organizations, she was able to witness firsthand the impact these services had on individuals and communities—especially those facing eviction. She became passionate about how programs were administered and wondered how they could be improved. This insight ultimately led her to pursue a Master's in Public Administration (PA) at the Hatfield School of Government (HSOG), an essential step in transitioning to public auditing and allowing herself to be exposed to a platform where she can start to make meaningful connections.
Zavitkovski recollected the inspiration and guidance of her advisor, Dr. Masami Nishishiba, who was instrumental in her journey through her Master’s. And soon after, she was able to secure a job as a performance auditor at the Oregon Secretary of State before finishing her degree—a chance that allowed her to apply the knowledge and values she learnt to real-life situations. Over the next decade, she would go on to work for the State of Oregon and now Multnomah County, where she has been able to make a significant impact in system-wide changes.
Interested in working with Multnomah County? Check out the College to County Mentorship Program!
How HSOG Shaped Her Career
When asked about her time at the Hatfield School of Government, she reflected on how HSOG shaped her professional journey by equipping her with a clear vision and very specific and intentional steps for success. The connections she made, including the summer fellowship program with Oregon’s government, were pivotal to her career. And thanks to the important and rigorous coursework and real-world applications, particularly in Dr. Phil Cooper’s classes, she felt well-prepared for the challenges of auditing and public service. These experiences helped her grow her skills in writing, interviewing, and data analysis—all integral parts of her current role at Multnomah County.
Public Auditing: Challenges & Insights
As an Audit Director, she faces a unique set of challenges in the field of public auditing. One of the most difficult lessons was learning to be comfortable with conflict. Early in her career, it was a struggle to engage in tough conversations, but she quickly realized that her primary responsibility was to the people—elected officials, the people in need, her community, not to the department she was auditing. Building this skill of navigating disagreements in a peaceful, constructive way has been essential in growing herself, both personally and professionally.
Another significant challenge is the media scrutiny that often accompanies public audits. Knowing that her work can be featured in the press brings an additional layer of pressure. However, over time, she has learned to manage this by focusing on the impact of her work. Sometimes, she even feels a sense of pride when her audits make it into the news, as it validates the importance of the work which is important for all of us to know so we can continue advocating and supporting. Adjusting her lifestyle—switching to decaf and focusing on self-care—has also been crucial in managing work-related anxiety!
Making an Impact
When asked about an example of an audit that struck her, she recalled a story about a behavioral health services audit. The audit uncovered a critical issue—not everyone who qualified for the program was actually admitted. Zavitkovski and her team made actionable recommendations, and following up on those suggestions resulted in meaningful change. She recalls a moment when she received a call from a mother who had been trying to get her son into the program for years, and thanked Zavitkovski for the work her team did to highlight this issue. This was a reminder of how impactful audits can be in real people's lives.
The Future of Public Auditing
Looking ahead, she sees a few key trends shaping the future of public auditing. One is the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI). Governments are traditionally conservative in adopting new technologies, but AI is beginning to make waves in the profession. While many are watching to see how it will evolve, AI has already begun to influence auditing processes, especially in data analysis.
Another area she’s keeping an eye on is the federal government’s influence on local governments. Federal activities related to equity, funding, and taxation could have a significant impact on counties and their ability to administer services.
Advice for Students & Aspiring Professionals
For students looking to enter the field of public auditing or public administration, she stresses the importance of a few key skills. Strong writing and analytical abilities are a must, but so are communication skills and the ability to relate to diverse communities. Public auditors, in particular, must have a solid understanding of equity and be able to approach challenges with an equity lens. She also highlights the importance of cultural competence—understanding how to work with people from various backgrounds and engaging with community organizations is crucial.
When asked for advice for those looking to make a difference in public service, she encourages students to find their passion. Whether it’s auditing, program evaluation, or a specific social issue, pursuing what truly excites you will lead to fulfillment. She shares that her initial interest in auditing was sparked when she noticed that one program was run more efficiently than another. It was then that she realized how she could make a difference by improving systems and helping organizations run more effectively.
Advice to Her Younger Self
Reflecting on her younger self, she offers one piece of advice: be patient and take care of yourself. The demands of working full-time while pursuing a Master’s degree, commuting to Salem, and balancing family responsibilities after COVID-19 taught her the importance of slowing down and doing good work, rather than rushing to achieve career milestones.
Final Thoughts for HSOG Students & Alumni
Before wrapping up, she has one last message for students and alumni of the Hatfield School of Government: "Thank you for going into public service." She recognizes the dedication and commitment it takes to pursue a career in public service, and she encourages others to keep pushing forward to make meaningful change in the world.
In a field where systems are constantly changing and challenges are ever-present, her story serves as a powerful reminder that public service is a journey—one that requires passion, patience, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.