September 2025 Employees of the Month
Published: October 21, 2025
Updated: October 21, 2025
Every month, the employees at Strategic Communications are given the opportunity to acknowledge exemplary colleagues within or outside their department. Three individuals were chosen by their coworkers for their commitment to customer service, perseverance in the face of challenges, and can-do attitudes!
Josiah Garvizu
Associate Project Manager
- When did you start working for Strategic Communications?
I began working for Strategic Communications in January of 2024 - What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on at Strategic?
The recent FCN MCB Albany project has been my favorite, as I had the opportunity to learn a lot about working with the Government.
- What does your dream vacation look like?
My dream vacation would involve going to the beach, attending concerts, and trying lots of new food.
- Who is your favorite musical artist, and what was the first concert you attended?
One of my favorite musical artists is Jamiroquai, and the first concert I attended was Candlebox when I was 10 years old.
- How would your family, friends, or coworkers describe you in three words?
I think they would say Detailed, Dependable, and Kind. - What is your current favorite TV Show, Podcast, or Book that you’d like to share with the world?
My favorite book that I have recently read is Absolute Manhunter, as I have really enjoyed the unique art and style of storytelling.
Crystal Newman
Sales Administrator
- When did you start working for Strategic Communications?
My anniversary date is Oct 3rd so its been 14 years - What's one word that best describes how you feel about your role?
Blessed - What's one word that best describes how you feel about your role?
I love people. I don’t mind helping others, I love babies AND if I could have one today and be promised to have a son….I DEFINITELY WOULD!! - If you could pick one meal to eat every day, what would it be?
I love Steak and Pizza - they would equally win for Fav food - If you could instantly learn a new language, which would you choose?
I think I would Re-learn French. I took French in school and I loved it.
Kristen Harris
Inside Sales Account Manager
- When did you start working for Strategic Communications?
February 2025 - What was your background prior to working for Strategic Communications?
I've been in tech sales, specifically Public Sector since 2014. Prior to Strategic I worked at a very large VAR directly with end users in K-12 education and within the distribution channel on an accessory team. So, I've seen all the sides of sales, which is pretty cool. I understand how the entire sales process flows from end user to where products are made, packaged and shipped.
- What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding or fulfilling?
I truly enjoy helping people find a product and/ or service that fits their needs. It's our job to make their lives easier, and if we can do that with a suggestion on a kind of software or product to help, I am all in!
- What is the best career lesson you've learned so far?
You can't do it all, I've learned that it's best to have a great team that you can count on. I used to tell my education customers "I know a little bit about a lot of things. But I know people who know a lot about specific things."
- Outside of work, what are you passionate about/enjoy doing?
I'm a boy Mom, so this part of my life is filled with any and every sport, dinosaurs and Monster Trucks. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
- What is your current favorite TV Show, Podcast, or Book that you’d like to share with the world?
My husband and I currently love watching "Only Murders in the Building", the cast and writing is spectacular. Typically, with this kind of show I usually figure out who did it pretty quickly but this one at least for us isn't a dead giveaway. Pun intended... - What is something that people may not know about you?
I actually love running, where I grew up in Central New York you either ran or played hockey. Just about every year I go back to CNY, and I run a 15K, it helps that the finish line is at a brewery. My fastest time was 1 hour and 35 minutes.
