We are delighted to announce the 2nd annual BSD “Excellence in Staff” awardees. These recipients were selected from amongst many by the BSD Nomination Committee who carefully reviewed each of the nominations and selected the individuals to be honored. We are grateful to the members of the Committee who participated in the selection process.
The BSD launched the Staff Recognition Program to reward staff whose talents and accomplishments contribute towards advancing our core missions. There were five categories to acknowledge the full range of staff contributions:
- Leadership: To recognize contributions of positive role models and influencers who execute successful outcomes creating an environment that is resourceful and responsive to the needs and goals of the BSD.
- Research: To recognize contributions that are integral to research in support of expanding scientific boundaries or discovery.
- E3L Engage: To recognize contributions that exemplify the core principles of E3 Leadership: Engage, Evolve and Excel generating novel ideas to develop new or improved processes, methods, systems, programs, or services creating best practices.
- Community: To recognize contributions where the local communities benefit from innovative ideas, programming, services, or initiatives that are transformative and make a difference through civic engagement.
- Collaboration: To recognize contributions to team performance by providing encouragement and support, helping others successfully accomplish goals.
Please join us in congratulating each of the award winners.
Leadership
Susan Levison, Graduate Education Administrator, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs
Sue Levison is the glue that keeps the GGSB department connected. Her leadership makes an impact and is felt by those that she supports. She does not hesitate to do the right thing and lets the team know – by her words and action – that they can count on her.
Rising Star in Leadership
Jessica Robertson, Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology
Jessica spearheaded and leads an anti-racism committee committed to facilitating ways to identify and eradicate racism, inequality, and its effects in the workplace. In a short period of time, she created and implemented a vision for the Committee on Anti-Racism (COAR), developed a mission statement, and organized subcommittees who will establish action plans that go beyond supportive words.
Research
Bethany Martell, Executive Director, Office of Clinical Research
Beth’s strategic and supportive initiatives help the research portfolio grow and provide the opportunity for the increased number of University of Chicago Medicine patients who participate in clinical research. Through her leadership, we were able to rapidly open COVID19 treatment trials, coordinate the creation of datamarts for outcomes research with CRI, and activate COVID19 vaccine trials.
E3L Engage
Paul Accardi, Operations Manager, Animal Resources Center
Paul plays an essential role in the implementation of E3L in the ARC, focusing on Daily/Weekly Readiness Boards/Huddles and Project Boards in various areas of the animal program (Admin, Animal Facilities, and Surgical Clinic). He has led the effort to better utilize the E3L processes to improve operations and streamlined communications.
Community
Cedric McKoy, Advanced Practice Nurse, Department of Neurology
Cedric engages the community to provide timely and efficient stroke care. His outreach includes a biweekly radio program, in-person (before COVID) events, and working behind the scenes with organizations to provide resources for at-risk populations.
Collaboration
Julissa Acevedo, REDCap Administrator/Senior Systems Analyst, Center for Research Informatics
Julissa’s willingness to support broad collaborative Divisional and University COVID projects has been commendable and selfless, setting an example for others of what a model employee can do to promote camaraderie and best practices under the toughest of circumstances.