#Duckumentary- Erica Czerniak

What’s a misconception people have about what you do for a living?

‍I think people think I just run reports all day. Since I’m the Director of Finance, they probably assume I’m just looking at numbers all day. But there’s a lot more to my job than that. I manage the cash flow and financials for multiple companies and handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the business running.

Was there a moment at EDA — big or small — that made you feel like you were in the right place?

I’ve been at EDA for 19 years. I started as the receptionist, answering phones, and slowly kept moving up as I took on more responsibilities — Receptionist, Accounting Assistant, Accounting Manager and now Director of Finance.

Our first Christmas party there were literally 20 people because that was everyone who worked here. We had a White Elephant gift exchange, and it was so different from what EDA is today. We also had the first EDA baby — my daughter, Kaylee, who is now an accounting intern.

What’s your go-to sandwich order?

‍I don’t like sandwiches! I love Thai food, though. I love Pad Thai, but my absolute favorite is Pad See Ew — flat noodles with chicken and vegetables.

What motivates you at work?

‍I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I really want to be successful, but I also want to set other people up for success. I’m a people leader, and I want my team to be successful, too. I want my boss to be happy with my work, I want people to appreciate what I do, and at the end of the day, I want to do what’s best for the company.

If you could have dinner with anyone (past or present), who would it be?

‍My older brother. He passed away many years ago, and he’s the one person I would choose.

What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since joining EDA?

‍I started here in my early 20s, so I’ve learned a lot since then. Pretty much everything!

What’s a movie or TV show you could watch over and over?

‍Gilmore Girls.

What does Successful Together look like to you in your role?

‍Collaboration.  When employees from different teams work together toward a common goal rather than focusing only on their individual needs. I love seeing my team share ideas, support one another, and work together to achieve success.

What’s one musical artist or podcast you couldn’t live without?

‍I don’t have just one, I listen to a little bit of everything, depending on my mood.  I need music in the car, preferable something I can sing along to, so I couldn’t live without my Spotify!

What’s one small thing that can instantly make your workday better?

‍Laughter.  We all work hard, and sometimes our jobs can be stressful.  Taking a minute to laugh with my team can instantly improve my mood if I am having a particularly stressful day.