Please congratulate the OCA winners for 2023!

Paula Campbell, the Business Manager at the Weldon Cooper Center, has been an integral part of the University of Virginia since June 1980. Over her almost nine years in her current role, she has played a crucial role in the financial operations team, significantly impacting the Cooper Center's financial performance.

Here are a few reasons Paula was nominated for and earned the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award:

1. Bridging the Gap: Paula's dedication shined when she took on additional responsibilities to bridge the gap in the absence of a finance director at the Cooper Center. Her efforts not only allowed the organization to function smoothly during this period but also resulted in substantial cost savings.
2. Providing Leading Expertise: Demonstrating initiative, Paula took it upon herself to clean up the Workday accounts for the Cooper Center at the end of the fiscal year, showcasing her commitment to maintaining financial integrity. Additionally, she managed finances for UVA's Morven Farm during a transitional period when they lacked finance staff.
3. Staying People Focused: Paula's positive attitude sets her apart. Cordial, funny, and always helpful, she goes above and beyond to assist colleagues and recognizes when others need support. Her people-focused approach creates a collaborative and supportive work environment.
4. Accurate and Timely Work: Paula's contributions extend to her precision in work, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. As a balanced decision-maker with institutional knowledge and integrity, she is sought out for strategic direction. Her steady guidance has been crucial for the Cooper Center to maintain a balanced budget in recent years.

Paula Campbell's outstanding contributions, spanning bridging organizational gaps, providing expertise, maintaining a people-focused approach, and ensuring accurate financial operations, make her a deserving recipient of the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award. Her dedication and steady leadership have been indispensable for the Cooper Center's financial success and operational stability.

Jason Freeman, Sports Psychologist for UVA's Athletics Department, stands at the forefront of mental health and well-being treatment for 750 student-athletes across 25 varsity teams. His distinguished career, including 14 years at the UVA School of Medicine, makes him a pivotal figure in fostering mental health acceptance and providing crucial support to athletes. Here are a few reasons Jason was nominated for and earned the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award:

Here are a few reasons Jason was nominated for and awarded the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award:

1. Normalizing Mental Health: Jason's presence has normalized mental health discussions at UVA Athletics, facilitating consistent, on-site clinical care of its student-athletes. He pioneered mental health programming for the sports teams and expanded his team to three full-time psychologists.
2. Mentoring: As a supervisor, Jason mentors two clinical psychologists, guiding their career development. His commitment is evident in his readiness to handle late-night and weekend calls, addressing mental health emergencies and providing urgent consultations to ensure the well-being of athletes.
3. Servant Leadership: Jason embodies UVA's values of honor, integrity, trust, and respect. On November 13, 2022, he exemplified servant leadership by coordinating services for student-athletes, coaches, and staff after the tragic murders of three of UVA's football players and the injury of two of its student-athletes. Despite personal grief, he displayed unwavering compassion and energy, offering solutions that supported collective recovery.

Jason Freeman's leadership in prioritizing the mental health of UVA's student-athletes defines him as a remarkable contributor. From normalizing mental health discussions to mentoring colleagues and demonstrating servant leadership in times of crisis, Jason's unwavering commitment leaves an indelible mark on the well-being of current, past, and future UVA student-athletes. His recognition with the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award is a testament to his character and the depth of his contributions to the UVA Athletics community.

David Glover is the Biology Department's indispensable "Mr. Everything," with nineteen years at the University and eight years in his current role (Biology Department Building Project Associate). His exemplary contributions are a testament to his unwavering commitment to the department and his colleagues.

Here are a few reasons David was nominated for and awarded the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award:

1. Above and Beyond: David's commitment goes beyond his role, proactively advocating for the Biology Department's needs and foreseeing challenges by knowing each employee and their work intimately. Taking on any task asked of him, his hard work has been greatly appreciated by his coworkers and is largely responsible for the successful day-to-day functioning of the department. 
2. Reliability With a Smile: Demonstrating exceptional reliability, David responds to emergencies beyond regular hours with a positive attitude, navigating challenges seamlessly and viewing his team's mission as his own. 
3. Collaboration: Serving as an effective liaison and facilitator between the Biology Department, Facilities Management, and Project Services, David prioritizes the department's interests. His behind-the-scenes contributions, largely unknown to faculty and staff, ensure the seamless continuation of teaching and research missions, demonstrating his commitment to the department's effective functioning.
4. Just Do It: In a critical moment during the in-house scaling up of COVID testing in 2020, David's decisive action saved the day. When the contracted moving company failed to show up on the last day the central service elevator was open, David assembled a makeshift team to transport delicate equipment, crucial for COVID testing, out of Gilmer Hall. His "just do it" mentality ensured UVA's ability to scale up testing promptly.
5. Setting the Example: David's example inspires both his colleagues in the Biology department and those he supervises. Leading by example, he sets a high bar by jumping in on work assignments whenever he can and demonstrating intense loyalty and commitment to the department. He has demonstrated grace towards his coworkers that have inspired them to work harder, not judging when mistakes happen, just taking care of business.

The Biology Department is indebted to David Glover for his countless contributions. Thomas Jefferson’s epitaph enumerated three accomplishments. In this tradition, Leonard Sandridge was asked what he hoped his epitaph would read. He said, “If I had to settle for three things, it would be: He was honest; he worked hard; and he cared about people.” David's tenure at the University could be described in that exact manner.  

Beth Williams, the Education and Outreach Director at Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP) in the School of Education and Human Development, stands as a beacon of impactful service to the Commonwealth. VLP is dedicated to serving the Commonwealth by providing evidence-based practices to improve the lives of over 25,600 pre-school through Grade 3 public school Virginia teachers and the students and families they serve. Beth's work embodies research into practice, one of the major purposes of state funded public universities such as UVA. Here are a few reasons Beth was nominated for and earned the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award:

1. Increased Leadership: Responding to the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and VLP's expanded outreach, Beth took on increased leadership during the 2023-2024 academic year. Collaborating with the Virginia Dept. of Education, she trained and mentored new employees, overseeing hotline responses and managing the implementation of a new Statewide screener. Beth's leadership extended to training new staff, implementing professional development for educators, and mentoring novice presenters both virtually and in-person.
2. Dedication to UVA and the Commonwealth: Beth's impact extends far beyond the VLP office, influencing over 30 staff member, 400 in-service teachers, principals and other educators, and countless students every day. Her dedication to service is exemplified through professional development sessions attended by thousands, directly supporting Virginia's young learners. Beth's commitment to UVA shines through her dedicated service to the Commonwealth.
3. Research into Practice: Beth represents the University by directly supporting public-school teachers and administrators, developing materials for public-facing websites and creating webinars and in-person presentations. Her work ensures that public schools in the Commonwealth have access to the latest evidence-based literacy practices, enhancing UVA's image and improving service to the citizens of Virginia.
4. Embodying Support: Beyond her official responsibilities, Beth consistently seeks avenues to support her colleagues and contributes invaluable feedback to literacy support and outreach work at VLP. Her voluntary efforts extend to supporting early childhood education programs, embodying a commitment to creating effective systems of support for large groups.

Beth Williams is at the forefront of literacy education in Virginia and embodies the spirit of the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award. Her increased leadership, dedication to UVA and the Commonwealth, commitment to research into practice, and unwavering support for colleagues paint a portrait of excellence. Beth's positive attitude and supportive attitude make the VLP office a hub of productivity and enjoyment, leaving an indelible mark on the state-level work and fostering a collaborative spirit within the UVA team. In every aspect of her role, Beth exemplifies the highest standards of service and contribution.

Since 1999, Karen Finke, PA, has been a valued member of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at UVA, embodying dedication, compassion, and invaluable contributions. Her story unfolds through transformative leadership, thoughtful mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to life-long learning, setting her apart as a beacon of clinical excellence.

Here are a few reasons that led to Karen's nomination and successful eligibility for the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award:

1. Innovative Clinic Management: Karen's leadership extends to the Nutrition Support and Gastrostomy Tube Clinic, a critical hub for oncology patients undergoing therapy and those with ALS. Her coordination prowess, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, ensures seamless operations. Karen's multidisciplinary approach to patient care stands out, providing cutting-edge comprehensive care in digestive health, cancer, and neurology.
2. Thoughtful Mentorship: Karen's impact goes beyond her clinical role; her mentorship creates a supportive environment for new PAs and clinicians. Through her guidance, Karen instills a commitment to high-quality patient care and communication that have made her a sought-after clinician. Her development of a PEG program for fellows, evolving into a multi-media patient education repository, enhances continuity of care and reflects her committed mentorship.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Karen's dedication to coordinating care between various departments, including oncology nursing, radiation oncology, nutrition, surgery, and GI, exemplifies her commitment to patient-centric care. Her triaging expertise ensures prompt care for challenging patients, positively impacting patient satisfaction and contributing to UVA's ALS clinic's recognition as an ALS Association Treatment Center of Excellence.
4. Life-Long Learning and Striving for Excellence: Karen's pursuit of excellence and lifelong learning defines her career. Serving as the primary gastrostomy tube specialist at UVA, she influences countless patients and physicians. Karen's expertise in gastroenterology is sought after by referring providers, and her commitment to staying up-to-date has set an incredibly high bar for patient care in the state of Virginia and the University Medical Center.

Karen Finke's 24-year dedication to the Gastroenterology Division at UVA is a testament to her outstanding service, leadership, and unwavering commitment. Her contributions, ranging from innovative clinic management to thoughtful mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning, underscore her eligibility for the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award. Karen's impact extends far beyond the mission and values of the University, making her a true exemplar of service and contribution within the healthcare landscape.

Jolene Kidd is a seasoned Operations Manager for the UVA School of Medicine Office of Curriculum, bringing with her three decades of dedicated service to UVA, including two decades at UVA Health. While relatively new to this role, her wealth of prior experience has resulted in transformative leadership and an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and growth-oriented culture. 

Here are a few reasons Jolene was nominated for and earned the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award:

1. Cultivating a Positive Culture: Jolene's leadership has fundamentally changed the culture within the Office of Curriculum. Through regular lines of communication, monthly staff meetings, and a commitment to the ASPIRE values, she has created a safe environment where employees can openly discuss mistakes, learn, and thrive. Jolene's passion for transparency and community has fostered a sense of belonging among her team.
2. Inspiring Leadership: Expecting team members to reach higher standards, Jolene is dedicated to the overarching team goal of customer service and best practices. Her commitment extends to health in various dimensions, emphasizing a healthy work environment, mindsets, student outcomes, and patient well-being. Jolene actively advocates for employee promotion, empowering team members in their professional development goals.
3. Financial Stewardship: Jolene's financial acumen and commitment to efficiency shine through her contributions to the clerkship program. Building upon the foundation laid by her team member, Cheryl Adams, Jolene's data-driven approach identified opportunities to save an additional $140,000 annually by restructuring student rotations, simultaneously enhancing the training experience for students.
4. Institutional Knowledge: Beyond her immediate responsibilities, Jolene is a pillar of support for new colleagues at the SOM Center for Excellence in Education. Leveraging her wealth of institutional knowledge, she ensures a smooth onboarding experience, helping newcomers navigate complex systems, policies, and acronyms. Jolene's commitment to sharing best practices exemplifies her dedication to living the university's values.

Jolene Kidd is the type of leader who adds value and makes change from within, carrying herself with professionalism and positive intention and modeling strong and respectful behavior for everyone to follow. She communicates openly, has an open door policy, and never leaves you feeling unheard or unsupported. She cultivates an atmosphere of excellence, positivity, dedication, respect, and fairness. In myriad ways, Jolene embodies the essence of the UVA Health ASPIRE values, making her an exemplary recipient of the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award.

Beth Mehring's exceptional contributions as a nurse, particularly her pioneering work with the "Earn While You Learn" program, have left an indelible mark on UVA and the broader community. Her unwavering dedication and innovative approach to workforce development have had far-reaching impacts, exceeding all expectations and warranting the highest recognition.

Here are a few reasons Beth was nominated for and earned the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award:

1. Establishing Earn While You Learn Through Beth's collaborative efforts with Pipelines and Pathways, HR, PVCC, CATEC, and the dedicated team at UVA Health, UVA Health has been able to offer a diverse range of essential healthcare training programs and certifications. This has addressed critical staffing shortages and created valuable career opportunities for employees, having far-reaching impact on the community. Many have progressed in their roles as certified nursing assistants or patient care assistants, resulting in increased compensation and expanded career prospects. The program has sparked community engagement and partnerships with other nursing schools, thereby fortifying UVA Health's standing as a healthcare education leader.
2. Leveraging Skills for the Healthcare Community: Beth's exceptional skills as a nurse have left an indelible mark on UVA Health and the broader community. Her unwavering dedication and innovative approach to workforce development have had far-reaching impacts, exceeding all expectations, and warranting the highest recognition. It has contributed to the institution's success and paved the way for future collaborations.
3. Creating a Sustainable Infrastructure for Training: Beth's unflagging dedication to building strong relationships and her commitment to providing education through grant funds have broadened UVA Health's training opportunities, enabling the community to access the education necessary for healthcare careers. The shared objective of creating a sustainable infrastructure for healthcare workforce development is steadily becoming a reality, and this achievement would not have been possible without Beth's unwavering commitment.

Beth Mehring has made a transformative impact throughout UVA and the UVA community through her innovative "Earn While You Learn" initiative. Her commitment to providing education, advancing careers, and creating opportunities has not only mitigated staffing challenges but has also solidified UVA Health's position as a leader in healthcare education, positively impacting many people's lives. In the dynamic landscape of healthcare leadership, Beth emerges as a beacon of inspiration and impactful change.

Rachel Nauman, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, is a transformational healthcare leader, seamlessly applying evidence-based practices to quality improvement, program evaluation, and daily management systems. Transitioning to the role of Administrator Ambulatory Nursing for UVA Health in 2022, Rachel's leadership has been marked by her ability to build and lead cross-functional teams, optimizing care quality, operational efficiency, and fiscal integrity. 

Below are examples of her leadership, influence and impact supporting her nomination:

1. Living the ASPIRE Values: Amidst the global pandemic, Rachel showcased exceptional leadership by managing many disparate activities across multiple clinic settings. Her collaborative approach ensured timely patient access to care, operational efficiency, and effective and safe delivery of patient care. She also created a strong partnership with UVA HR that expedited the recruitment and hiring process, and provided the framework for interdisciplinary teams of caregivers to design and deliver comprehensive solutions to address the needs of struggling clinics. Rachel’s dedication to advancing care across the continuum has resulted in improved patient outcomes and a more seamless healthcare experience for patients. 
2. Providing Stable Leadership and Retention: In her role, Rachel has provided stable leadership, resulting in a commendable voluntary nursing turnover rate of 13.5%, showcasing an improvement from the previous year of over 17%. Her accountable organizational expertise, leadership, and continuous improvement have contributed to the stability and success of patient care delivery.
3. Mentoring Nurses: Serving as a formal and informal mentor, Rachel actively guides aspiring nurses, promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace, and advocates for nursing leadership to drive positive change. Her efforts include initiatives like the Ambulatory Charge Nurse Fundamentals Course, advancing frontline nursing leadership.
4. Communication and Practice Improvement: Rachel's exemplary communication skills bridge gaps between healthcare professionals, ensuring team alignment and understand. Creating an Ambulatory Power Huddle is an excellent example of how Rachel provides guidance, advice and support daily, bringing together representatives from inside and outside UVA to share learning and problem solve in real time. Her involvement in initiatives such as the Ambulatory Nurse Professional Governance and the Ambulatory Role Delineation project showcases her commitment to shared decision-making, patient outcomes, and innovative staffing frameworks and care delivery models.

Rachel Nauman's exemplary leadership at UVA Health is characterized by transformative initiatives, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Her influence reaches far beyond administrative responsibilities, encompassing mentoring, diversity advocacy, effective communication, and innovative practice improvement.  She has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and leadership throughout her career. These qualities exemplify the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award.

Matthew Robertson, Lead Advanced Practice Provider(APP) at UVA Health, holds influence far beyond his immediate team, garnering respect from his peers, physician colleagues, nurses, residents, and organizational leaders alike. His exceptional temperament, talents, and humility position him as an invaluable asset, contributing significantly to various initiatives throughout the organization. His professionalism, coupled with a calm and pleasant demeanor, paints a portrait of a true team player, a joy to work alongside even amidst the most challenging circumstances. Here are a few of his contributions that led to his winning the award:

1. Improving Retention Rates: Matt worked with a group to evaluate UVA Health's retention rates for APPs and spearheaded the implementation of a standardized exit survey, providing invaluable date on turnover. As an active member of the credentials committee, he contributed to revising a form for APPs that streamlines processes and saves time. He proposed the expansion of the STICU/IMU advanced practice provider team, ensuring 24/7 coverage.
2. Process Collaboration: Using A3/LEAN methodology, Matt led an inter-professional group to assess transfer order placement timing for STICU/SIMU patients. Recognizing opportunities to enhance inter-team communication, he developed a communication template and collaborated with EPIC builders for its implement. In another example, Matt partnered with EPIC builders to implement a co-morbid condition review process in the Trauma discharge summary template, ensuring the Division of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma could accurately capture the acuity and complexity of patients served. He also collaborated with local leaders to develop, implement, and sustain the use of an ICU rounding checklist focused on ensuring specific quality practices are implemented for each appropriate patient.
3. Local and National Expertise: Matt's influence transcends organizational boundaries. He has served as a content expert for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and is on the planning committee for the Advanced Practice Institute component of the 2-23 Philadelphia National Teaching Institute conference. Locally, he lectures to UVA Health's APPs, precepts students, and serves as a course director for the Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Course, showcasing his commitment to education and expertise.
4. Resourceful Leadership: Matt's foresight led to the creation of an extensive critical care resource repository for APP fellows. This repository not only saves time and energy but stands as a lasting solution to annual resource reference banking, exemplifying his dedication to providing enduring support to critical care APP fellows.

In the dynamic realm of UVA Health, Matt Robertson's journey as Lead Advanced Practice Practioner is marked by transformative contributions and unwavering dedication. His multifaceted role in improving retention rates, streamlining processes, providing expertise locally and nationally, and establishing critical care resources showcases a leader committed to the well-being and success of his team and the broader organization. Matt stands out as a true exemplar of excellence and collaborative leadership.

Janet Tillage has served as Medical Office Supervisor for the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UVA Health for 14 years, while her journey with UVA Health has spanned almost four decades. Her embodiment of ASPIRE values in all aspects of her work has not only met but exceeded expectations, resulting in an exceptional level of effectiveness for the entire department. It is evident that Janet is not merely a supervisor but a driving force behind the success and resilience of her division.

Here are a few of Janet's contributions that led to her winning the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award:

1. Pandemic Resilience: Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Janet emerged as a stalwart leader. As the main administrative representative regularly coming into the office, she ensured the seamless continuation of operations in patient care. From distributing webcams for telemedicine services to managing inventory and timely mail delivery, Janet's extraordinary service was a linchpin in maintaining the department's functionality during a time when most were advised to work remotely.

2. Versatility and Team Player: Janet's commitment extends beyond her official duties. With a positive and pleasant attitude, she seamlessly takes on additional responsibilities, showcasing her efficiency in multitasking. Her proactive approach to identifying and resolving critical service issues has been a cornerstone of the department's stability and success.

3. Critical Contributions to Programs: Janet's impact goes beyond the day-to-day operations. She played a significant role in the Fellowship Program recruitment, demonstrating her commitment by coordinating conference reservations and reminders. Her efforts in managing schedules and payment support processes for crucial programs such as the Hematology/Oncology Night Coverage moonlighting program, highlight her diligence and meticulous attention to detail.

4. Overall Departmental Asset: As a critical member of the administrative team, Janet Tillage has been a driving force behind the overall effectiveness and progress of the department. Her 37-year tenure at UVA Health is a testament to her enduring dedication and invaluable contributions.

In the tapestry of UVA Health's success, Janet Tillage's thread weaves a story of resilience, commitment, and unparalleled service. Her winning the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award is a recognition well-deserved, honoring not only her 14 years as Medical Office Supervisor but also her enduring dedication to UVA over nearly four decades. Janet exemplifies the spirit of excellence and unwavering commitment, leaving an indelible mark on the Division of Hematology and Oncology and the broader UVA Health community.

In the heart of the UVA College at Wise campus, there exists a force behind the scenes that transforms ordinary events into extraordinary experiences. Meet Rosa Bott, an unsung hero whose dedication and expertise elevate the countless college events, from the smallest luncheons to grand campaigns, to new heights. Rosa's impact on the campus community is immeasurable, leaving an indelible mark through her meticulous preparation, unwavering professionalism, and an extraordinary commitment to excellence. Here are a few of Rosa's many exceptional contributions to the Wise faculty, staff, and students:

1. Impeccable Event Execution: Rosa is the driving force behind the success of numerous Wise events, from the smallest event such as a private donor luncheon on the 6th floor of the Library Chancellor's Conference Room to the largest Honor the Future Campaign Launch. Her meticulous preparation and punctuality ensure that every detail is flawlessly executed, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
2. Impactful Campus Influence: Rosa's work reverberates across the entire campus, benefiting not only students but also faculty and staff. The support she provides enhances the quality of Wise events, creating an environment conducive to academic and community growth.
3. Exceptional Team Leadership: Running an exceptional team, Rosa displays a high level of professionalism even in the most stressful situations. Not only does she perform at a high level, she also actively imparts her knowledge to her team, fostering a culture of excellence among her colleagues.
4. Community Engagement and Expertise: Rosa's dedication extends beyond the college walls. She actively participates in community events, showcasing her expertise as an ambassador of the college. Her influence extends far beyond the campus, contributing to the broader cultural and educational landscape.

Rosa Bott emerges as a paragon of dedication, proficiency, and unwavering commitment to excellence, regardless of the day of the week or hour of the day. Her impact goes beyond the confines of the college, shaping the experiences of students, faculty, and community members alike. Her ability to navigate challenges with grace and deliver exceptional results underscores her status as a true expert in her field. Rosa stands out as a shining example of the transformative power of passion and expertise in shaping the future of education and community engagement.