Team Spotlight: BSD Budget Team
Left to Right: Joseph Logan, Jyotsna Gupta, Betty Keaton, and Laurence Rusbarsky
Under the direction of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Tammy Fulbright, our Budget Team has just completed the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23).
Laurence Rusbarsky, Joseph Logan and Betty Keaton, with special support from Jyotsna Gupta, have been focused on putting together the FY23 budget, reviewing it, planning for any issues that might come up, and seeking necessary approvals from across the organization and the Bi-State Development enterprises. Special thanks to the Budget Team for their great work and all they do for us here at BSD.
Check out the Q&A below to learn a little more about each Budget Team member.
Laurence (Larry) Rusbarsky – Director of Financial Planning and Budgets
With three years of experience at BSD as Director of Financial Planning and Budgets, Larry has to focus on what’s happening within the budget. Especially when there are numerous inputs and changes from different people, he is responsible for tracking what’s happening day to day. Larry does his part to make sure all the pieces come together so there aren’t any surprises.
How would you describe BSD?
For me, Bi-State Development is a St. Louis landmark. It’s a cornerstone of this area.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby that most people don’t know about?
I’ve been around golf since I caddied as a kid, so I like finding people who want to play, but are afraid to try. Introducing people to the game, teaching them and getting them involved in the game is amazing to see. My newest student is my daughter, and it’s been great to see the progress she’s made.
What’s one thing you have on your bucket list?
My bucket list goes back to golf – my brothers and I want to do a road trip to play a lot of the nicer golf courses around the country. We’ve all been playing since we were kids and haven’t played the nice courses before.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the St. Louis area?
I’ve got two. For special occasions, I like to take people to Three Sixty, but my go-to place is Seamus McDaniel’s.
Betty Keaton – Sr. Budget System Administrator and Analyst
Betty has been a BSD team member for three years, and her typical work day consists of communicating with the rest of the Budget Team to ensure the Budget Books are correct and ready for review, along with a fair share of troubleshooting.
What are three words to describe BSD?
Community-focused, in-tune, and a great organization.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby that most people don’t know about?
I cycle, I actually completed a half-century, or 50-mile, ride last summer. I got into cycling about 10 years ago.
What’s one thing you have on your bucket list?
To complete a century ride, which is a 100-mile ride.
Joseph Logan – Business Analyst
In two years as a Business Analyst at BSD, Joseph’s usual day consists of maintaining and reviewing Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Reports, answering any questions about the KPI reports, and sending reports to other team members.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby that most people don’t know about?
I draw portraits, I’ve been doing that since I was a kid. It came naturally to me. I like drawing musicians and athletes.
What’s one thing you have on your bucket list?
One is skydiving. Even though I’m petrified, I still want to do it. I also want to run a marathon.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the St. Louis area?
My favorite used to be Houlihan’s, but I haven’t found a new favorite since they closed.
Jyotsna Gupta – ERP Analyst IV
Jyotsna is technically a member of the IT Team, but during her five years as an ERP Analyst IV at BSD, she has supported the Budget Team and has become an honorary member. She supports the Budget Team by maintaining budget software and troubleshooting any issues, functional or technical, with the system.
What are three words to describe BSD?
A great organization with great benefits and great people.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby that most people don’t know about?
Being home over the last year or so, I started using my spare time doing art. I’ve been doing a lot of clay modeling and I also made some decorations with clay and wine bottles. It’s a great way to relax and de-stress.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the St. Louis area?
We celebrated my daughter’s 17th birthday at the Melting Pot. They have something for everyone. You cook your own food so it’s a good experience.