Congratulate UVA's OCA winners for 2024!

Kathy Alderson, Faculty Support Specialist in the McIntire Business Office, is an invaluable member of the McIntire School community. Her role involves processing reimbursement requests for faculty and staff with unparalleled efficiency and attention to compliance. Her proactive approach, institutional knowledge, and dedication to excellence make her a critical contributor whose efforts often go unnoticed but benefit everyone at McIntire. Her key contributions and responsibilities include:

• Efficient Reimbursement Processing: Kathy promptly and competently handles reimbursement requests while ensuring strict adherence to University and Commonwealth policies. Her ability to navigate complex requests, including those involving multiple funding accounts, has made the process seamless for faculty and staff.
• Proactive Communication: Kathy regularly informs faculty and staff of updates to reimbursement rules and provides detailed guidance on submission requirements, helping prevent issues before they arise.
• Support for New Faculty: Kathy has gone above and beyond to assist new faculty members, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing logistical challenges. Her clear communication and personalized support reflect her commitment to fostering a welcoming environment.
• Guest Speaker Coordination: Kathy recently managed travel arrangements and reimbursement for a distinguished guest speaker, addressing challenges with the UVA New Vendor Registration system, and following up to ensure the process was completed smoothly. Her attention to detail and persistence left a lasting positive impression.
• Enhancing Faculty Productivity: By taking care of administrative details like travel and expense reimbursement, Kathy enables faculty to focus on their teaching and research responsibilities, improving overall productivity and reducing stress.

Broader Impact:

• Benefiting the McIntire Community: Kathy’s role impacts every faculty and staff member who incurs reimbursable expenses. Her efficiency and expertise ensure compliance while providing peace of mind to her colleagues.
• Creating a Welcoming Environment: Kathy has served, unrecognized for many years, as a community organizer, planning a faculty and staff holiday potluck luncheon for the entire school, as she saw significant value in bringing people (faculty and staff alike) together. Kathy’s thoughtful gestures, like maintaining a candy bowl at her desk, create a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Guest speakers and visitors frequently praise her hospitality, which reflects positively on McIntire’s image.
• Institutional Knowledge: With over 35 years of service, Kathy’s deep understanding of University systems and policies has made her a trusted resource for countless colleagues. Her historical knowledge and problem-solving skills are unmatched.

Kathy is a conscientious, dedicated, and compassionate professional whose tireless efforts have significantly benefited the McIntire School and the University of Virginia. Her ability to balance efficiency, compliance, and kindness makes her an "unsung hero" of the institution. Kathy’s lifetime of service and her consistent excellence have profoundly impacted her colleagues and the broader McIntire community, and her contributions warrant this prestigious recognition.

Joey Carls, Manager of the Finance Solution Center in UVA Finance, is a leader whose servant leadership, innovation, and collaborative spirit have set an exemplary standard for excellence at the University of Virginia. From building a high-performing team to fostering professional development and strengthening University operations, Joey’s contributions reflect his commitment to service, integrity, and continuous improvement. His work has had a profound and lasting impact on his colleagues, team, and the broader UVA community.

Highlights of Joey’s contributions include:

• Building the Finance Solution Center: Joey was instrumental in establishing the "AskFinance" team, transforming an initial concept into a fully operational and highly effective service hub. His efforts include recruiting, training, and mentoring team members and designing a sophisticated case management system that now handles approximately 750 cases per week with exceptional responsiveness.
• Servant Leadership in Action: Joey exemplifies servant leadership by prioritizing the needs of his team, colleagues, and the University community. He fosters an inclusive, service-oriented environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued. His calm, measured approach to problem-solving has earned widespread trust and admiration.
• Professional Development Advocate: Joey has implemented a rigorous development framework for his team, balancing individual growth with organizational consistency and quality. His willingness to hire unconventional candidates with potential and train them has created a pipeline of talent, many of whom have advanced into impactful roles across the University.
• Collaboration Across Departments: Joey’s partnership with functional experts, training teams, and other departments has enhanced service delivery and strengthened cross-functional relationships. His ability to connect the dots and create proactive solutions is a hallmark of his leadership style.
• Supporting Organizational Success: During challenging times, such as the 2022-2024 period in Accounts Payable, Joey’s team stepped up under his guidance to manage customer inquiries, enabling colleagues to focus on root-cause resolutions. This adaptability showcases his dedication to the University's overall success.
• Customer Service Excellence: Joey has instilled a culture of service excellence within his team, emphasizing responsiveness, professionalism, and continuous improvement. His commitment has elevated customer satisfaction while enhancing the University’s reputation.
• Visionary Problem-Solving: Joey’s ability to transition from conceptual discussions to detailed, actionable plans is unmatched. He carefully considers structure, impact, and stakeholder input, ensuring that every solution is both collaborative and effective.

Joey Carls embodies the qualities of an outstanding leader and contributor. His innovative approach, servant leadership, and unwavering dedication to UVA’s mission have transformed the Finance Solution Center into a model of excellence. Joey’s influence extends far beyond his immediate team, creating a legacy of service, collaboration, and professional growth that benefits the entire University. 

Lisa Shuler, Director of Enrollment Budget and Finance, is a beacon of kindness, leadership, and service at the University of Virginia. Over the past 20+ years, she has risen through the ranks with grace and determination, building a legacy of excellence in financial management and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of students, colleagues, and the University community. Lisa’s motto, “Nice Matters,” perfectly captures her approach to her work and relationships, emphasizing that respect and kindness are as crucial as professional achievements.

Highlights of Lisa’s contributions include:

• Exceptional Leadership and Financial Expertise: Lisa has played a transformative role in restructuring Enrollment’s budget process, consolidating four separate unit budgets into a unified plan that aligns strategic priorities with financial goals. Her innovative approach has garnered praise from senior leaders, who noted her ability to balance detailed financial operations with a clear vision for the University’s mission.
• Advocacy for Students and Families: Whether calling students with past-due balances to ensure they stay enrolled or meeting with families at the front desk, Lisa consistently puts students first. Her efforts have helped countless students overcome financial hurdles, enabling them to complete their education and achieve their dreams.
• Dedication to Best-in-Class Service: Lisa’s belief in face-to-face interaction and personalized solutions has set a standard for excellence in customer service. During the recent Workday Finance implementation, she visited departments in person to understand their needs and craft tailored solutions, exemplifying her hands-on and proactive leadership style.
• Commitment to Colleagues’ Success: Lisa is a tireless mentor and supporter of her colleagues, often going above and beyond to help others in times of need. Whether providing meals for a sick coworker or helping a team reframe its financial strategy, Lisa’s generosity and compassion leave a lasting impression.
• Driving Continuous Improvement: As a proponent of Lean methodology, Lisa is always seeking ways to refine processes and enhance efficiency. After successfully leading a budget meeting praised by senior leadership, she immediately began planning improvements for the next cycle, embodying her commitment to excellence and forward-thinking leadership.
• Unmatched Approachability and Optimism: Colleagues describe Lisa as one of the most genuinely cheerful and helpful individuals at UVA. Her ability to blend professional expertise with personal warmth inspires those around her to excel and fosters a positive, collaborative work environment.

Lisa Shuler’s profound impact on the University of Virginia is evident in the lives she has touched and the systems she has transformed. Her leadership exemplifies the University’s values of service, integrity, and commitment to affordable access and excellence. Whether guiding complex financial strategies, supporting students in need, or offering a kind word and a smile, Lisa embodies the qualities celebrated by the Leonard W. Sandridge Leadership Award. She is a true role model and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of working with her.

For more than 25 years, Sherri Sullivan has been a cornerstone of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE), the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), and the University of Virginia. In her role as Senior Finance Generalist, Sherri has consistently demonstrated unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and dedication. Her contributions extend far beyond her official responsibilities, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the University’s mission and her exceptional ability to mentor and support colleagues. Sherri’s service excellence, financial acumen, and collaborative spirit have made her a worthy recipient of the 2024 Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award.

Here are a few of her accomplishments:

• Financial Expertise and Leadership: Sherri oversees all aspects of DMSE’s financial operations, from departmental budgeting to faculty compensation, grant compliance, and procurement processes. She expertly manages complex research funding, including multi-institutional grants from the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, ensuring accurate allocation and timely reporting. Her ability to navigate financial complexities has consistently provided faculty with a clear understanding of available resources, enabling the successful execution of research projects.
• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: As a mentor, Sherri has been a vital resource for colleagues across DMSE, SEAS, and the College of Arts and Sciences. She has trained staff on UVA’s financial systems, policies, and software platforms, helping them develop the skills needed to perform their roles effectively. Her guidance has extended to fiscal administrators in other departments, such as the Department of Physics and the Nanoscale Materials Characterization Facility (NMCF), where she has provided invaluable training and support.
• Service Beyond Expectations: Sherri’s contributions have consistently exceeded expectations. She managed the finances of the Intelligent Processing of Materials Center for 17 years, overseeing a $3–5 million annual budget that supported national and international research collaborations. Additionally, she played a critical role in maintaining the NMCF’s $1 million annual operating budget, ensuring the facility’s financial stability and success.
• Workday Financials Expertise and Adaptability: Sherri has become a recognized expert in Workday Financials, transitioning from an initial learning phase to serving as a mentor and resource for her colleagues. Her willingness to ask questions, explore solutions, and share knowledge has significantly improved the efficiency of financial processes within DMSE and SEAS. Sherri’s tenacity and adaptability have made her an indispensable asset during the University’s transition to new financial systems.
• Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork: Known for her diplomacy and empathy, Sherri excels in managing complex situations and fostering collaboration. Her ability to communicate clearly and effectively encourages cooperation and minimizes conflict, making her a trusted and respected colleague. Her positive attitude and commitment to teamwork create a supportive and uplifting work environment, even during challenging times.

Sherri Sullivan exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award: outstanding service, professionalism, and dedication to the University’s mission. Her extraordinary contributions to DMSE, SEAS, and UVA have left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the broader University community. Sherri’s unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with her compassion and expertise, makes her a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.
 

Scottie Frey has been a cornerstone of excellence at UVA Health for 24 years, exemplifying the ASPIRE values—Accountability, Stewardship, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence—in every facet of her work. Her leadership, commitment to patient care, and dedication to UVA’s mission have had a lasting impact on the organization.

Some of Scottie's key contributions include:

• Leadership in Integrating HIM Departments: During the acquisition of UVA Community Health hospitals, Scottie successfully integrated the Health Information Management (HIM) department into her team, ensuring seamless alignment with UVA Health's high standards. Her steadfast commitment to maintaining the integrity of medical records required difficult decisions and workflow changes, all of which she navigated with professionalism and respect for differing viewpoints.
• Advocacy for Patient and Provider Needs: Scottie serves as a tireless advocate for UVA Health at both the patient and state levels. Whether diffusing challenging situations with patients over medical record access or advocating against burdensome state regulations for clinicians, her calm demeanor and strategic thinking ensure equitable outcomes.
• Champion of Employee Engagement and Resource Stewardship: As the leader of the Health Information Technology (HIT) Employee Engagement group, Scottie has amplified staff voices, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Her stewardship is evident in operational efficiencies, such as outsourcing underutilized call center hours, resulting in significant cost savings for UVA Health.
• Commitment to Excellence and Mentorship: Scottie exemplifies accountability and mentorship, guiding her team with empathy and inspiring confidence. Her leadership in projects, such as aligning UVA Health’s HIM standards across departments, has reinforced the organization’s commitment to patient safety and quality care.

Scottie Frey’s exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity, and dedication to UVA Health’s mission make her a true embodiment of the ASPIRE values. Her ability to drive change while maintaining respect and collaboration has made her a role model across the organization. Scottie’s contributions are not only vital to UVA Health’s success but also inspire those fortunate enough to work alongside her. 

Tausha Grim serves as a Nursing Professional Governance Clinical Leader at the University Medical Center, where her expertise, leadership, and commitment to patient safety and collaboration have had a profound impact. Tausha is a trusted "dot connector," skillfully navigating interprofessional teams and fostering partnerships across clinical and administrative domains to drive innovation and excellence in patient care.

Here are some of her key contributions:

• Enhancing Patient Safety and Workflow Coordination: Tausha leads efforts to address complex patient safety challenges, including managing the 2024 IV fluid shortage and planning the multi-year phased upgrade of GE monitors. She collaborates with multiple departments to develop and implement tailored solutions, ensuring patient care remains uninterrupted and of the highest quality.
• Supporting Nursing Governance and Mentorship: As a coach and preceptor, Tausha guides committee chairs and emerging nursing leaders, fostering their professional growth and strengthening UVA’s distributed professional governance network. Her ability to balance mentorship with empowering others to lead effectively is a hallmark of her leadership style.
• Facilitating Interdepartmental Collaboration: Tausha serves as a liaison between nursing and key departments like Supply Chain, Pharmacy, Clinical Engineering, and Accreditation. She bridges gaps and promotes shared decision-making to advance critical initiatives, including regulatory readiness and infrastructure improvements for procedural sedation safety.
• Driving Organizational Excellence: Tausha contributes to UVA Health’s mission through her role in preparing the 2024 Magnet Redesignation application, showcasing UVA’s nursing best practices to a national audience. Her efforts ensure that UVA Health remains a model of nursing excellence and innovation.

Tausha Grim exemplifies UVA Health’s ASPIRE values—accountability, stewardship, professionalism, integrity, respect, and equity—through her tireless commitment to advancing nursing practice and fostering interprofessional collaboration. Her leadership, humility, and ability to inspire confidence in others make her an invaluable asset to the organization and a role model for all who work with her. It is an honor to recognize Tausha’s outstanding contributions to UVA Health and the communities it serves.

Gene “Taylor” Tereskerz exemplifies the values of UVA Health through his unwavering dedication to patient care and his ability to transform lives, one small act of kindness at a time. As a key member of the Community Paramedicine team, Taylor has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure patient safety, comfort, and well-being. His contributions extend far beyond the scope of his role, leaving a profound and lasting impact on patients and colleagues alike.

Some of these contributions include:

• Exceptional Patient Support: Taylor provides holistic care for patients, including assisting with daily activities, performing home maintenance, and offering emotional support. Whether installing grab rails, managing medications, or delivering donated items, his actions consistently prioritize patient safety and comfort.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: Taylor has creatively addressed patient challenges, such as coordinating the construction of safer trailer steps for a patient with mobility issues. His proactive approach prevents accidents and ensures accessibility.
• Impactful Program Development: As a co-creator of the Community Paramedicine program, Taylor helped design processes that have reduced emergency room visits by up to 75% within three months of patient enrollment, leading to improved outcomes and significant cost savings for both patients and the hospital.
• Building Patient Connections: Taylor ensures patients feel valued and understood, fostering trust through detailed care plan reviews and thoughtful gestures like remembering birthdays or writing sympathy cards. His actions have improved patient perceptions of UVA Health, creating a sense of individualized, compassionate care.

Taylor Tereskerz’s work embodies the mission and values of UVA Health, from his role in reducing hospital utilization to his genuine care for every patient. His dedication stems from personal experience, inspiring him to bridge care gaps and ensure no patient feels overlooked. Taylor’s unwavering commitment, compassion, and innovative thinking make him a role model for colleagues and a vital contributor to UVA’s success. His impact resonates deeply within the UVA health and Charlottesville communities.

With over three decades of exceptional service at the University of Virginia, Sandra Burks, RN, BSN, CCRC embodies the ASPIRE values and has made an indelible impact on clinical research, patient care, and community service. Her unwavering dedication, innovative leadership, and selfless commitment to her colleagues and community make her a truly outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Some of her key achievements include:

• Pioneering Leadership in Clinical Research: Sandra joined UVA in the early 1990s as a bedside ICU nurse and has since advanced into transformative roles. She was the inaugural managing director of the Surgical Therapeutic Advancement Center (STAC) and later led the integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV), which secured a $23 million NIH grant under her guidance.
• Rapid Response During COVID-19: Sandra played a pivotal role during the pandemic by launching a COVID-19 clinical trial in just 10 days, a process that typically takes months. She also volunteered to administer vaccines, demonstrating her commitment to community health.
• Expanding Access to Research: As managing director of STAC and later iTHRIV, Sandra significantly increased access to clinical trials, particularly for underserved populations. Her efforts have strengthened collaborations with institutions like Virginia Tech, Carilion Clinic, and Inova Health, benefiting patients and researchers across the state.
• Mentorship and Team Development: Sandra's management style is deeply collaborative and supportive. She consistently prioritizes her team’s growth, offering mentorship and resources to help them excel. Her efforts have cultivated a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
• Community Outreach: Beyond her professional achievements, Sandra is committed to health education and advocacy. Notably, she has spearheaded a sun safety initiative for elementary students in Buena Vista, Virginia, reflecting her dedication to prevention and wellness.

ASPIRE Values in Action

• Accountability: Sandra takes full ownership of her responsibilities, ensuring transparency and swift adaptation to challenges.
• Stewardship: She manages resources effectively, fostering partnerships that maximize impact and efficiency.
• Professionalism: Known for her kindness and collaborative spirit, Sandra inspires excellence in those around her.
• Integrity: Sandra’s ethical approach builds trust and credibility in research and patient care.
• Respect: Her compassionate and inclusive leadership ensures everyone feels valued.
• Equity: Sandra actively works to create opportunities for underrepresented groups and improve access to research for underserved communities.

Sandra’s contributions have elevated UVA’s reputation as a leader in clinical research and public service. Her work with iTHRIV and the Virginia Clinical Coordinating Research Network (VCCRN) has improved healthcare access in rural areas, while her leadership within national organizations has positioned UVA as a hub for innovation in translational science.

Sandra Burks exemplifies what it means to be "great and good." Her unparalleled dedication to advancing UVA’s mission, improving healthcare access, and fostering collaboration makes her a role model for all. She truly embodies the spirit of excellence and service this award represents.

Fisher Rhoads is an exemplary member of the UVA community whose dedication, innovation, and leadership have significantly advanced research and operations across multiple departments. As a Lab Research Specialist in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and a contributor to various interdisciplinary collaborations, Fisher has consistently exceeded expectations, making a profound impact on UVA’s mission and reputation.

Here are highlights of his contributions:

• Operational Excellence: Improved biospecimen management by auditing institutional documentation, addressing process errors, and coordinating improvements with the UVA Biorepository and Tissue Research Facility.
• Leadership and Outreach: Led community engagement initiatives to refine patient enrollment methods, resulting in increased participation in federally funded projects and enhanced research design.
• Collaborative Achievements: Contributed to multi-center projects supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, coordinating with national and international institutions, which bolstered UVA’s reputation in research excellence.
• Advanced Research Contributions: Played a pivotal role in machine learning research for analyzing histologic tissue specimens, managing complex datasets, and annotating images for algorithm training with exceptional precision, professionalism, and efficiency.
• Mentorship and Education: Supported Ph.D. students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate trainees by guiding research, contributing to thesis projects, and developing manuscripts and abstracts presented at national conferences.

Fisher Rhoads exemplifies UVA’s ASPIRE values through his dedication to advancing research, mentoring others, and improving operations. His impact extends beyond his immediate team to benefit the broader University community. Fisher’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration makes him a highly deserving candidate for the 2024 Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award. His work ensures that UVA continues to excel in its mission to serve students, staff, and the public.

Nancy Rush has been a dedicated member of the UVA School of Medicine since 1999 and has served as the assistant to the chair of her department since 2005. Her role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities that she executes with exceptional dedication and professionalism, making her an invaluable asset to the department and the broader UVA community.

Highlights of Nancy's contributions include:

• Departmental Leadership: Manages daily operations, including the chair’s schedule, travel arrangements, equipment maintenance, research space upkeep, and departmental events such as retreats and seminars.
• Support During Growth: Handles onboarding for new faculty and staff, coordinates lab renovations, and oversees the procurement of major equipment, ensuring seamless integration during a time of significant departmental expansion.
• Advocacy and Innovation: Champions initiatives for post-doctoral researchers by increasing visibility of recognition events and advancing sustainability by spearheading the Green Lab Certification process across the department.
• Exemplary Service: Serves as a primary point of contact for new hires, faculty, and research staff, offering guidance on UVA processes, facilities, and resources, far exceeding her formal duties.

Nancy Rush is the cornerstone of her department, embodying UVA’s ASPIRE values through her accountability, stewardship, professionalism, and respect for all. Her dedication to fostering a welcoming and efficient work environment, alongside her innovative contributions to departmental operations, makes her highly deserving of recognition. Her tireless efforts and positive impact truly exemplify the spirit of the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award.

MaryAnn Keith, Mail Service Supervisor at UVA College at Wise, exemplifies dedication and excellence in her role, going above and beyond to support the College community. Her commitment to ensuring seamless mail and ID services, coupled with her ability to manage a demanding workload, reflects her unwavering support for the educational mission of UVA Wise.

Here are a few highlights of MaryAnn's contributions:

• Exceptional Leadership: Manages a multi-faceted office with minimal staff, including overseeing student workers and recently gaining a second full-time employee.
• Operational Excellence: Handles campus mail, external packages, supplies, and ID services with efficiency, often working overtime to meet the College’s needs.
• Administrative Expertise: Oversees budgeting, supply procurement, billing, and reconciliation, ensuring accuracy and cost-effectiveness for various service providers such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS.
• Community Engagement: Actively participates in College and community activities, such as STEM-H Day and Day of Service, while fostering a positive work environment for her team.

MaryAnn Keith’s contributions are vital to the smooth operation of UVA Wise. Her dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts not only support the College’s daily functions but also enrich its community. She embodies the spirit of service and professionalism, making her an invaluable member of the UVA Wise team.