Where Your Work Actually Matters

Where Your Work Actually Matters: Kelsey Burkhardt on Ownership, Growth, and Mission Impact

Some roles review work.
Others own outcomes.

At SteerBridge, Kelsey Burkhardt does both.

“You’re not just checking boxes, you’re making decisions that affect real outcomes.”

Real Responsibility, Day One

Kelsey’s role sits at the center of an AI-supported workflow.

She reviews SMART Files and Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), validates evidence, and determines whether claims are ready to move forward — or need correction.

That means making real decisions, every day.

→ Pass or fail determinations

→ Identifying errors and gaps

→ Escalating issues through structured workflows

“You’re trusted early,” she explains. “That responsibility pushes you to grow quickly.”

Growth That Comes from Doing the Work

At SteerBridge, development isn’t separated from the job — it happens through it.

Kelsey has strengthened her:

→ Decision-making confidence

→ Ability to handle complex cases

→ Technical and workflow proficiency

→ Communication within cross-functional teams

“The environment is collaborative,” she says. “You’re supported, but you’re also challenged to step up.”

Work That Moves the Mission

Every claim Kelsey reviews represents a Veteran waiting on a decision.

Her work helps:

→ Improve accuracy and fairness

→ Reduce delays by catching issues early

→ Maintain workflow timelines, including 72-hour cycles

In one case, she identified a misaligned DBQ before it caused a delay — allowing the claim to stay on track and move forward without disruption.

It’s a small moment. But it reflects the standard.

A Team That Shows Up

What stands out most to Kelsey is the culture.

“It’s encouraging. People want you to succeed,” she says.

One moment that captures that culture:

When the team received its first approved DBQ, leadership showed up in person to celebrate the milestone.

“It wasn’t just about the result — it was about recognizing the work behind it.”

You’re trusted to make real decisions — and that’s what drives your growth.

Kelsey Burkhardt

Claims Workflow Specialist, MDC

Why People Choose SteerBridge

Kelsey chose SteerBridge because the mission aligned with her experience supporting Veterans — and because it offered a place to keep growing.

Today, she describes it in three words:

Purposeful. Rewarding. Collaborative.

Thinking About Applying?

Kelsey’s advice is simple:

“Understand how your role connects to the mission. If you care about meaningful work and want to grow in a supportive environment, this is a great place to be.”

// Video

April Employee Spotlight

Meet Kelsey Burkhardt, Claims Workflow Specialist at SteerBridge.

Every day, Kelsey makes real decisions that directly impact outcomes for Veterans, serving as the human checkpoint in an AI-supported claims process.

She doesn’t just review work.

She owns it.

Interested in Joining the Team?

Explore open roles supporting mission-driven technology: Join the Team

About STEERBRIDGE

At SteerBridge, our vision is to be the trusted partner in delivering transformative solutions that empower our clients to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities for growth.

Rooted in our core values of integrity, innovation, and engaged leadership, we strive to elevate the standards of service within the government contracting community.

Mike Kropiewnicki
Apr 8, 2026 9:00:00 AM

Where Your Work Actually Matters