Franklin County Recognizes Janelle Friese as November Employee of the Month for Exceptional Fiscal Leadership

Franklin County Commissioners have named Janelle Friese, the director in the county’s fiscal department, as their November Employee of the Month. Friese was recognized for her significant contributions, particularly her leadership in implementing the county’s new target-based budgeting methodology for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in guiding the county through this complex financial transition.

The selection process for the Employee of the Month involved a Special Thanks and Recognition (STAR) Committee, which reviewed 15 nominations. A notable 10 of these nominations were specifically for Friese, highlighting the widespread appreciation for her work. According to the nominations, Friese’s stewardship in implementing the new budgeting system was a key factor in her selection. This initiative required meticulous planning, anticipation of challenges, and the development of a clear structure to ensure a smooth transition for county departments.

Friese’s role in the budget implementation extended to several critical areas. She was responsible for overseeing the design and creation of training materials, guiding her team and other county departments through the transition, and ensuring the entire process was seamless and effective. Her strategic approach involved aligning financial planning with the county’s broader organizational goals, thereby establishing a foundation for long-term financial sustainability. Nominations also emphasized her attention to detail, which prevented oversights and streamlined workflows, reducing confusion during a period of significant change.

Furthermore, Friese established subcommittees dedicated to ongoing process planning and communication with affected stakeholders, ensuring that all relevant parties remained informed. She attended specialized conferences related to target-based budgeting, developed a new budget calendar and timeline, and coordinated communications among the commissioners, the fiscal department, and other departments. She also set new budget levels to facilitate preparation, supported the implementation of new budget forms and instructions, and guided the process for supplemental funding requests, streamlining existing procedures. Her efforts extended to supporting budget estimates necessary for the new approach, alongside numerous other essential tasks, all while continuing to support her staff with their day-to-day operational responsibilities.

Colleagues have described Friese as a calm, thoughtful, and purposeful leader whose approach made a complex process appear significantly easier. Even amidst the demanding implementation of the new budget, she remained accessible and supportive, assisting procurement staff with various issues, including coding, budget inquiries, and even offering assistance with office coverage. This willingness to help extends to fostering a collaborative environment where all team members’ ideas are valued. New employees have found her leadership particularly inspiring, noting that she consistently makes time to offer support, guidance, and reassurance.

Friese’s dedication also transcends her own department. She actively collaborates with other county departments, providing training and individual assistance that enhances the overall fiscal literacy and efficiency of Franklin County government. This cross-departmental support has been recognized as a significant factor in improving county-wide financial operations. Her integrity, poise, strong leadership skills, wisdom, professionalism, responsiveness, and diligence have been consistently noted by those who work with her. Coworkers have expressed that she is a joy to work with, creating a safe space for discussion and offering unwavering support.

The Franklin County Commissioners extended their congratulations to Friese, acknowledging her excellent work and commending her for setting a high standard of knowledge, leadership, and excellence for both county employees and residents.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County.

---