by David Chapman
Staff Writer
There’s a stark contrast between the wave strewn ocean and a computer-clad cubicle, but Joe Roland excels in both arenas.
Roland, a senior application analyst for the City’s Information Technology department, might prefer the open outdoor environment to his office on the 9th floor in the Ed Ball Building Downtown, but that doesn’t mean he’s a beach bum.
Just the opposite, as Roland was recently recognized by the City for his work and speedy service maintaining the Lebanoff Allen Veterans Assistance Tracking System (LAVATS, named after co-creator City Principal IT Lewis Lebanoff) for Veteran Services.
The LAVATS system Roland maintains streamlines numerous aspects of benefits for veterans, electronically filing and storing information as opposed to manual paperwork.
When the Veterans Affairs office changes any of the necessary forms, though, previous editions of completed forms are obsolete and the VA office will not accept claims.
Enter Roland, who modifies and updates the LAVATS system “sooner than expected for the complicated tasks” according to a review.
“It’s really a great program,” said Roland. “They (people filing claims) have to fill out anywhere from 30–40 forms. Data already entered on forms that appears later ... it automatically recognizes and fills it in.”
Roland, a 22-year City employee, said new forms or changes to the process come from Veteran Services office every six weeks or so – but the challenge part of the job is something he enjoys.
“The nature of the work and the technical challenges ... they never get old,” he said, in addition to enjoying the company of his peers around the office.
Implemented in 50 counties in Florida as well as other states, Roland receives troubleshooting calls regarding LAVATS from other municipalities daily.
The City recognition is something Roland’s manager thought was warranted though the nomination for the recognition remains anonymous.
“He’s very focused on his work,” said Joseph Baglino, application development manager for the City’s IT department. “Clients commend him constantly.”
It’s not just the LAVATS system Roland works on, though. He actually helps maintain 17 different programs, including ones that help with the Jacksonville Children’s Commission and the General Counsel’s office.
Outside his office, Roland keeps his eyes on the ocean (“I still do a lot of surfing,” he said), being involved with Beaches Chapel Church both musically – he plays electric guitar in a band – and spiritually.
He spends time with his wife, Jennifer, of 30 years and has a son, Nathan, a junior majoring in computer science and engineering at the University of Florida.
The lifelong Jacksonville native graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in computer science years ago, and though his son has similar educational interests, Roland doesn’t think he’ll follow in his footsteps anytime soon.
“He’s more into robotics,” said Roland, smiling. “He’s part of a team down there.”
One day when he retires, Roland said he’d like to become more involved in the ministry while continuing to hit the surf, but Baglino hopes that day isn’t too soon, yet.
“We’d hate to lose him,” said Baglino. “He does a great job.”
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