Picture of Kristie Graham, K-12 educational technology specialist, Office of Education Technology. "While I'm not directly involved with the school systems, I know that what I do helps those districts be able to do what they can for the kids."

Kristie Graham’s work at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) as a resource management analyst allows her to feel more comfortable when providing information to teachers and parents.

“I like being that voice for others and being able to provide research and resources about how KDE is helping the schools and what it all means,” said Graham.

Graham uses the procurement rules and regulations to plan out the Kentucky Education Technology Systems (KETS) budget year to year and ensures that the budget is followed. They also handle any budgeting issues that may come up within the Kentucky school districts.

This work helps ensure that the school districts can afford things such as security, networking and technology for students.

“While I’m not directly involved with the school systems, I know that what we do helps those districts be able to do what they can do for the kids,” she said.

Graham has worked at KDE for a total of eight years. Prior to joining the education technology specialists’ team in 2020, Graham worked as a branch manager in the Division of Water at the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.

Graham was awarded a KDE Strategic Excellence Award, which is given to employees who go above and beyond in their work for the agency.

She attended Bluegrass Community and Technical College for business administration and information technology.

Graham is a Frankfort native with two children and two granddaughters. When not working, she enjoys spending time taking her granddaughters outdoors and working on her side job of merchandising.