OneNet’s Accounts Payable Specialist

With her calm nature, you might never guess she is OneNet’s resident karate master, but Aleta Berry is the closest thing OneNet has to Mr. Miyagi.
However, you won’t catch Aleta performing her flawless spinning-cobra-mongoose-roundhouse-heel-kick; partly because of her motion sickness, but mostly because of her kind nature.

“I can handle myself, but I would probably let someone hurt me before I hurt them,” Aleta said.

Aleta’s nature combined with her keen eye for detail makes her such a valuable part of the OneNet team. As one of OneNet’s accounts payable specialists, Aleta is responsible for reviewing and approving all vendor invoices.

“Most of the invoices I go over are small, but sometimes there are massive bills over $100,000 that need to be paid,” Aleta said. “If I didn’t do my job, it could cost thousands and possibly ruin a business relationship.”

Aleta has helped OneNet maintain its credibility for almost 20 years; she joined the agency in its infancy in 1997. Her veteran status paired with OneNet’s rapid growth means that she has memories of OneNet most of the staff don’t.

“My favorite memory from the job is Bill Johnson,” Aleta said. “He was a former director with OneNet.”

Aleta remembers Bill as a cheerful coworker, who always had a joke to tell.

“He was such a neat man—one of the best men,” Aleta said.

Besides the people, Aleta enjoys working at OneNet because it helps give her a purpose.

“It’s nice to be able to feel a sense of accomplishment in what I do,” Aleta said. “It may not be directly, but I help meet the needs of Oklahoma’s students through OneNet.”

When Aleta isn’t in the office, she may have some hermit tendencies.

“I’m a homebody for sure,” Aleta said. “There’s nothing better than being able to relax and flip-on a light-hearted movie.”

~ Story Micah Parnell, Fall 2014 Outreach Intern