Issue 162 - August 2025
PRO: FILES

The California JPIA Celebrates Grazyna Buchowiecki’s Retirement After 22 Years of Service
Senior Accountant Grazyna Buchowiecki retired in June after more than two decades of service at the California JPIA. Buchowiecki, who joined the Authority as a junior accountant in May 2003, has been vital to the organization’s financial operations, maintaining accounting data in the general ledger, running payroll, and providing accounting support to the finance director.
“Grazyna embodies the best qualities of public service,” said Smith. “She truly cares about the impact of her work on our members and their communities, and that commitment has been evident every day for over 22 years. She has contributed to the Authority’s success by providing excellent and timely service to members and staff.”
Buchowiecki’s career trajectory reflects her commitment to going above and beyond. “After joining the Authority as a junior accountant, I was promoted to accounting specialist in July 2006, and to senior accountant in July 2013,” she said. “I can credit my career advancement to the willingness to learn and my supervisors’ recognition and encouragement.”
“Grazyna’s attention to detail is unparalleled,” said Finance Director Jason McBride. “She approaches every task with precision and care, ensuring our financial records are always accurate and complete. Her unwavering reliability has been a cornerstone for our entire organization.”
When Buchowiecki started at the Authority, she was immediately drawn to its mission to provide innovative solutions for its members. “It amazed me that the California JPIA, with such a small staff, was able to help so many agencies,” Buchowiecki said. This dedication to the organization’s mission became a driving force throughout her career.
Buchowiecki highlighted the Authority’s teamwork and continuous learning opportunities as key factors that make it a great workplace. “My role and knowledge evolved while working at the Authority,” she said. “The Authority’s employees are experts in their fields, and I got to work with and learn from them.”
“What sets Grazyna apart is her genuine curiosity and desire to understand how all the pieces fit together,” said Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith. “She doesn’t just process numbers; she understands the story they tell and how her work supports our members’ success. That perspective has made her a valuable member of the team.”
Having earned a degree in economics from the University of Economics in Katowice, Poland, Buchowiecki brings a unique adaptability to her role, allowing her to adjust as the organization modernized its financial processes and systems.
Buchowiecki leaves behind a legacy of precision, dedication, and service excellence. The Authority extends its gratitude for her unwavering commitment and wishes her all the best in this new chapter.
Congratulations, Grazyna, on a remarkable career and a well-deserved retirement!
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