Technical skills are important in IT, but what makes an IT professional truly stand out is when they have the ability to connect with people, offer support, and solve problems in a way that feels personal.

Mike Farrell, MNIT’s Information Technology Specialist II partnering with the Department of Corrections (DOC), recently earned the MCF - Moose Lake Employee of the Year for the category of Programming/Non-Officer. We sat down with Mike to learn about his work at DOC, impactful projects he’s working on, and what this award means for him and his team. 

Select the image below to watch a video about what motivates Mike and his advice for people in the IT industry.

Meet Mike Farrell, MCF - Moose Lake Employee of the Year for the category of Programming/Non-Officer

For Farrell, receiving the MCF-Moose Lake award is both an honor and a reflection of the strong relationships he’s built at the Moose Lake and Willow River facilities. He takes pride in working with a diverse group of colleagues who appreciate his responsiveness and dedication to IT support. 

“I’ve always believed in providing strong customer support,” Farrell explains. “Being able to relate to people and make them feel comfortable when they reach out for help is a top priority for me.” 

Farrell’s approach makes staff feel at ease when seeking technical support, knowing they can rely on him to be professional and responsive. His accessibility—whether by phone or in person—has made a lasting impact, with colleagues frequently expressing their appreciation for his willingness to help anytime, anywhere. 

The award reinforces what Farrell values most in his work: building trust, fostering positive interactions, and ensuring that technology serves the people who rely on it every day. 

Memorable and challenging projects

One of Farrell’s standout achievements is his leadership on the large-scale canteen project for MINNCOR. This complex initiative required relocating operations from Oak Park Heights to a new facility in Moose Lake. As part of the transition, Farrell oversaw the installation of 28 new machines, creating a seamless self-service system that allows incarcerated individuals to log in, scan items, and add purchases directly to their accounts—similar to a standard grocery store checkout experience. 

A major undertaking for Farrell and the desktop support team, the project required extensive coordination with networking teams, technical specialists, and key leaders like Gretchen Wilson, who played a pivotal role in its implementation.

“It was a lot of work,” he said. “Some days, it felt like we were going above and beyond, but watching the project take shape from start to finish made it all worthwhile.” 

Another notable moment in Farrell’s career came during the CrowdStrike outage, a major incident that disrupted systems across Minnesota and the globe. Farrell played a key role in restoring functionality at the Department of Corrections. 

When the usual fix didn’t work, Farrell found a workaround to get the computers running again, helping avoid delays and allowing DOC staff to get back to work without further disruptions.

“That was a big one,” he recalled. “We were there from early morning until late at night but being able to problem-solve in real time and keep things running smoothly was incredibly rewarding.” 

Finding purpose and building connections 

For Farrell, the people he works with are his greatest motivation. He finds fulfillment in creating a positive and comfortable environment for those he supports, whether that means solving technical issues or simply brightening someone’s day. 

“Being able to come in, smile, and make others smile through my presence is a great thing,” he says. “The fact that people feel comfortable calling me when they need help means a lot. I want to provide that sense of ease and support however I can.” 

He also values the flexibility of his role, which allows him to work remotely when needed or quickly respond on-site.

As for advice to others in the field, Farrell emphasizes the importance of authenticity and human connection. 

“Learn to be comfortable with being yourself,” he advises. “Being able to joke around in a professional manner and break the ice with people goes a long way in building relationships. Earning respect and trust makes the job easier and more rewarding for everyone involved.”