HUMAN-SYSTEMS ALIGNMENT | 20+ YEARS OF NIH EXPERIENCE
Operational Clarity, Designed for Humans
Tricia Zarfoss | Founder & Principal Consultant, Aviz Consulting
I help organizations resolve complex operational challenges, protect governance integrity, and build intuitive processes that staff easily follow.
Why I Started Aviz Consulting
During my 23+ years supporting federal research programs and mission-driven teams at the National Institutes of Health, I learned how to turn ambiguity into structure, ask the right questions, and help teams navigate complex compliance challenges.
Through this work, I saw firsthand how quickly dense compliance requirements, outdated or confusing operating procedures, and unclear governance can create a heavy administrative burden. Faced with daily demands, even the most dedicated teams simply lack the space to step back and address these systemic issues.
I created Aviz Consulting to fill that gap. I operate as a quiet, independent advisor who handles the heavy analytical diagnostics in the background—allowing your staff to focus entirely on their mission
My Philosophy: People-First Operations
Operational systems don’t fail because of bad technology or poor intent. They fail because they were designed for compliance first, and humans second.
When procedures are over-engineered, staff are forced to navigate dense manuals, unnecessary compliance layers, and repetitive administrative steps. The resulting cognitive fatigue leads to mistakes, lost momentum, and oversight gaps.
At Aviz Consulting, I approach operations through the lens of Human-Systems Alignment. By blending rigorous governance with a practical application of human factors principles, I design tools and procedures that work with human behavior, not against it. The result is intuitive day-to-day routines where compliance becomes a natural byproduct of intentional design.
Education, Training, and Professional Credentials
My advisory work is grounded in formal training and certifications at the intersection of psychology and organizational systems.
Beyond these credentials, I am a lifelong student of human behavior, organizational design, and personal development—constantly exploring new books and podcasts to bring fresh insights to others.
Graduate Coursework in Human Factors | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Industrial and Labor Relations | Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology | Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Certified Prosci Change Practitioner | Prosci Change Management Program
Civic Design Studio Training | OPM Center for Leadership Development
Mid-Level Leadership Program | NIH Training Center
My Goal & The Value I Bring
My goal is to help your organization deliver on its mission by minimizing administrative burden, reducing staff cognitive fatigue, and integrating rules into daily routines. I function as a strategic investigator who works in partnership with you—combining deep, independent analysis behind the scenes with brief, focused touchpoints as-needed
🔍 DIAGNOSTIC CLARITY
The Investigator
I thrive on working through tangled intellectual puzzles. Using a methodical, independent approach, I conduct reviews of your documentation, policies, and procedures. I look past surface-level symptoms to find exactly where work is stalling and "connect the dots" that others miss.
🛠️ SIMPLE DESIGN
The Creator
I design with clarity in mind. My talent lies in pulling complex requirements apart and designing clear, practical deliverables to address them. Whether building a scannable one-page checklist or an interactive decision aid, I focus on presenting complex information simply, protecting your staff from unnecessary cognitive fatigue.
🤝 SYSTEMS ALIGNMENT
The Connector
I bridge the gap between rigid rules and human behavior. By understanding how people naturally process information and make decisions, I transform regulations into clear, adoptable processes. I map intricate stakeholder needs and ensure that compliance becomes a natural, low-friction byproduct of well-designed systems.
Leadership Endorsement
“I've worked with Tricia for years in numerous capacities and have always been impressed by her talent and professionalism. She is a strategic thinker who brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to complex challenges, yet is never afraid to dive into the operational details needed to achieve results. Organizations seeking expertise in risk, governance, compliance, policy, and SOP development will find in Tricia a trusted advisor and an exceptional leader."
- Former Branch Chief, Federal Health Research Agency
"I relied on Tricia for the problems that were tangled rather than just hard. She would take something ambiguous, figure out what was really going on underneath it, and come back with a recommendation I could act on. She is also steady when things get messy, which matters more than people expect."
- Former Section Chief, Federal Health Research Agency
Let’s Connect
Whether you are ready to tackle a specific project or want to start with a brief, focused call to explore how my services fit your team's needs, let's start a conversation.