Robyne Schroeder loves to help people solve problems - and she's good at it. Her passion has taken this CSUB alumna from her days as a teenage Explorer and, later, an employee of the Kern County Sheriff's Office all the way to the United States Marshals Service, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
"I worked in law enforcement for more than a decade doing everything from dispatching to juvenile detention," said Schroeder, who holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a psychology minor ('98) and a master's in public administration ('03). "I wanted to help people, but found that law enforcement can be a very negative environment. Once I got my degrees, I changed gears completely."
Through a series of career moves Schroeder found her niche and a new way to help people as an information technology project manager. Since 2006 she has worked for IntelliDyne as an IT contractor for the USMS, near the Pentagon.
"I am in charge of an IT project that tracks the 13,000 to 14,000 employees - from interns to task force officers - who work for the Marshals Service," Schroeder explained. "This is a new system that we've developed from the ground up so that at any time the service knows who is active, where they are, how to get in touch with them in case of an emergency, and more. My work touches literally every aspect of USMS - every district and every division."
As the nation's oldest federal law enforcement agency, the USMS apprehends more than half of all federal fugitives, including those in foreign countries, protects the federal judiciary, operates the Witness Security Program, transports federal prisoners, and seizes property acquired by criminals through illegal activities.
"I don't think anyone can comprehend the amazing work it takes to keep the Marshals Service going and the value to our country until you're working in it," Schroeder added. "For me there is a big reward in helping the agency. I start with a problem and develop a way to fix it by giving them a system that works. I love it when I hear, 'Wow. That solves our problem.' I've found a way to still help law enforcement like I did in Bakersfield, just in a very different capacity."
Schroeder credits her university education with helping to open the doors for her success. She notes that having a master's degree has been "a huge boost professionally," both in terms of employment options and the financial rewards.
"I remember Dr. Fong and always loved his classes. In fact, he came to my wedding," she recalled. "The MPA program was a great experience. There is no way I could be doing what I am doing professionally with my degrees. I only wish that I hadn't waited so long."
Schroeder and her husband, Ryan, re-located to Washington from Los Angeles and the pair are "over three years into a two year stay" with no thoughts of returning to the Golden State.
"The atmosphere here is much different than in California," Schroeder said. "I love the four seasons and we have a home on three wooded acres. I enjoyed my time in California, but I would have a hard time giving this up."