Employee of the year nominees in Business Affairs

This year, 12 employees in the Division of Business Affairs were nominated for Employee of the Year in the categories of devotion to duty, innovation, and safety and heroism. The recipients of the Employee of the Year award were profiled here, and you can read about the additional nominees below. We are proud of all of our winners and nominees, their accomplishments, and for all they do to support Niner Nation.

Devotion to duty

Chris Gonyar, Kevin Martin, and Tiffani Bowser were nominated in the category of devotion to duty. As members of the Emergency Management team, they were recognized by their colleagues for advancing the University’s emergency and crisis response capabilities exponentially in recent years, including, but not limited to: the development of a crisis communications plan that was integrated with the Emergency Operations Plan, an overhaul of the NinerAlerts system, the implementation of the NinerNotice program, and the creation of a Family Assistance Center Plan. One colleague wrote, “So much of what Chris and his staff do to keep the University safe is behind the scenes…I’ve watched them do their work quietly and with grace, good humor and a deeply rooted desire to do what is best for this University and campus community.”

Tony Georges, assistant controller for financial reporting in Financial Services, was nominated for his work providing accurate financial reporting for the University’s $1.9 billion assets. As a result of his leadership, UNC Charlotte’s financial records rank among the best, according to the Office of State Auditor manager. One of his colleagues wrote, “Tony never hesitates to jump in and help others work toward the common goals of the University…As a result, UNC Charlotte has become one of the most respected schools in the UNC System, even receiving public praise from the Office of State Auditor.”

Katherine Humphries, zone supervisor in Facilities Management, was nominated for having significantly contributed to serving the UNC Charlotte community. Humphries has been a role model of professionalism and team collaboration by leading various projects, one of which resulted in a national award presented by The Simon Institute. It recognized the results of Building Environmental Services, and the pilot project Humphries led. Humphries’ work has impacted her team and the outcomes of the academics and careers of students.

Jody Thompson is a dining program specialist in Business Services. In Thompson’s overseeing of the dining program and relationship to Chartwells, including two residential dining halls and 24 retail operations, Thompson goes above and beyond in serving her community, creating effective training programs and orientations for students and families. One of her best initiatives was her support of the meal swipe donation program, Swipe out Hunger. Thompson shows her dedication and devotion towards excellence at UNC Charlotte.

Innovation

Bart Davis, building environmental supervisor in Facilities Management, was nominated for having initiated and successfully establishing new and outstanding methods, practices, plans or designs. Davis manages the grounds greenhouse, production, and growing area, and is the primary installer and coordinator for numerous projects. He’s shown himself as a “get it done” employee, working as a dependable, reliable, and critical employee at UNC Charlotte while displaying an unexpected level of professionalism and responsibility.

Randy Huffman, water quality specialist in Facilities Management, was nominated for his creation of a comprehensive and defensible water management program. According to his nominator, “This is truly an effort that serves the entire campus and anyone visiting, so everyone will know their water is being sampled and laboratory tested, and any issue will be mitigated in a proactive manner.

Safety and Heroism

Regina Wood, lead supervisor for transportation services in Business Services, was nominated for her safety and heroism, having demonstrated outstanding judgement, courage, and ability in an emergency. On Sept. 17, 2019, she noticed a fallen cyclist on the roadway and stopped her bus in the lane to protect the cyclist. After asking PaTS to call campus police to divert routes, she contacted the police directly to give vital information. Thanks to Regina’s quick response and communication, the injured cyclist received immediate attention and campus transportation services continued running.