By Consumer Safety Inspector Sara Symons, OFO, and Senior Writer-Editor Pat Cuadros, OPACE

Operations Research Analyst Arsalan “AJ” Jalisi enjoys working in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer’s (OCFO) Audit Liaison and Financial Analysis Division. His work includes analyzing data and providing actionable recommendations to upper management. He accomplishes this by leveraging various analytical techniques and visualizations to support data-driven decision-making. Jalisi is confident that his work will have an impact not only on FSIS but on USDA and the nation. “Whether it’s my contribution in helping the agency make data-driven decisions or increasing awareness of engagement activities within OCFO, it has an upward positive trajectory and benefits everyone,” he says. He has been with FSIS for three years and began his federal career in the U.S. Census Bureau in 2016.

From Filmmaking to Interactive Decision-Making Tools

Jalisi attended Queens College, in Queens, New York, earning his Bachelor of Arts in economics and finance in 2009. His first love was film. While in college, he directed two short films for a film studies project and considered making a career out of it. Later, his interest in global economics, data analysis, trends and numbers led him to obtain his master’s degree in finance from St. John’s University, located in New York, New York in 2012.

Jalisi started working first at the Census Bureau as a survey statistician. He eventually heard about a job opening in FSIS through his work and applied. He continues to use his love of visual arts and data analysis in his job as an operations research analyst.

Enhancing Decision-Making and Engagement with Data Analytics

Jalisi’s major daily responsibilities are to identify trends and draw conclusions after compiling and analyzing data to create decision-making tools. This involves extrapolating workforce data from different sources to assemble charts for the quarterly updates of the FSIS Management Council Reports. These are provided to FSIS program area leadership. This data directly impacts FSIS by identifying implications of agency actions on the budget and helps FSIS leadership make data-informed decisions. 

As he is analyzing data, drafting reports or collaborating with colleagues, Jalisi keeps FSIS’ purpose in mind as he helps to safeguard public health or advance critical research. He likens it to a mosaic where you can see the pieces in a larger picture. “When I start my workday, I remind myself: my work matters. It’s a thread woven into the fabric of our agency’s success. And that sense of purpose fuels my commitment, no matter how seemingly insignificant the task. Together, we’re making a difference — one step at a time.”

As the OCFO Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee (EEOAC) Chairperson, Jalisi spearheads engaging activities to promote diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness within the organization. Each month, OCFO celebrates special emphasis programs by infusing creativity and interaction into their initiatives. He accomplishes this with interactive and engaging emails that highlight cultural heritage months, historical milestones and notable figures. These emails include interactive elements like quizzes, polls and links to relevant resources.

The EEOAC also hosts trivia events during lunch breaks or virtual gatherings to foster camaraderie and learning. For National African American History Month in February, the EEOAC hosted an OFCO-wide virtual trivia event, where they provided historical background and information and then ended with a quiz. Jalisi stated, “Our efforts not only celebrate diversity but also deepened our understanding of each other’s backgrounds. By blending education, fun and inclusivity, we aimed to create a more vibrant workplace where everyone can feel valued and connected.”

Jalisi also is the OCFO representative in the FSIS Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) workgroup, playing a crucial role in translating survey results into actionable insights for staff. He assists by distilling complex FEVS data into visually appealing infographics. These graphics provide a snapshot of key findings, highlighting areas of strength and areas for improvement. “By making the data accessible, we engage employees and encourage dialogue,” he says.

Jalisi often reflects on what he contributes to FSIS through both his analytics work and his EEOAC projects. For him, knowing that he has brought positive changes in the last few years “is what truly makes my job rewarding. It’s not just about spreadsheets; it’s about impact. Whether it’s improving work processes, enhancing employee satisfaction, or fostering a culture of collaboration, I’m proud to play a role in our collective success. As I sit at my desk crunching numbers or drafting emails, I remind myself: this matters. And that’s a feeling worth celebrating.”

Harnessing FSIS Core Values

Jalisi says he fits the Collaborative and Solutions-Oriented core values because he values teamwork and believes in leveraging diverse perspectives. In one research initiative, he was part of a work group that investigated hard-to-fill areas within FSIS. His supervisor agrees that Jalisi exemplifies the Solutions-Oriented core value in his projects “by seeking to understand the full scope of the problem and then suggesting ways to overcome the problem. Jalisi has become one of the ‘go-to’ employees within the OCFO organization when we are looking for different approaches to solve analytical problems.” He and his work group colleagues seek to understand the ongoing challenges and key factors associated with recruiting and retaining talent in critical roles by analyzing available workforce data and reviewing industry trends.

Not All Work and No Play

During his free time, Jalisi is interested in emerging technologies, building personal computers and mountain biking. He earned an analytics certificate in 2023 and enjoys learning about new software technologies. As part of his bucket list, Jalisi built his own computer. His favorite mountain biking location is Mountain Creek in New Jersey. He also enjoys visiting museums wherever he travels. He hopes to travel to Egypt and to Rome and other locations in Italy.