Celebrating Administrative Professionals Day on April 24

This month, we celebrate 2,200 administrative professionals at Duke University and Duke University Health System.

Several months ago, we asked you to nominate administrative secretaries, administrative assistants and executive assistants to feature in the April issue of Working@Duke to commemorate "Administrative Professionals Day" on April 24.

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We received nearly 60 responses.

In the "The A-Team" story that ran in the print issue of Working@Duke, we wrote about seven of these professionals. Below, we now offer excerpts from nominations for the other administrative professionals.

The administrative assistants are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Thanks to all administrative professionals who play critical roles at Duke.

- The Working@Duke Editorial Team

 

Aron Anderson, Staff Assistant, Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, Division of Student Affairs"Aron is a quick learner, self-directed, and talented beyond measure. He is tireless in his effort to support our center, the division and Duke students. I feel privileged to work with him."Nominator: Chandra Y. Guinn, Director, Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, Division of Student Affairs

Tiffany Ashley, Administrative Assistant, Nutrition Services and Adult Diabetes Education Program"Tiffany is able to balance responsibilities for two departments with grace and patience. In a time when staff members are often stressed to the nines, she's calm and collected as she helps find the answers, tools and resources that we need to do our jobs well."Nominator: Sejal Dave MS, RD/LD, CDE, Pediatric Dietitian - Team Leader, Nutrition Services

Jan Baker, Staff Assistant, Housing, Dining & Residence Life - Central Campus"Jan has been with HDRL for nearly six years now and she has helped to create an environment that is truly student centered on Central Campus with her remarkable customer service, her dedication, caring and compassion."Nominator: M. Jonathan "Jai" Jackson, Residence Coordinator - Keohane Quad, Housing, Dining and Residence Life

Joanna Bernhardt, Staff Assistant, Department of Biology"She performs all of her tasks efficiently and expertly, as well as consistently going above and beyond her job to help others and ensure that our department runs smoothly. She is a cornerstone of our department!"Nominator: Brenda Winkler, Lab Research Analyst I, Noor Lab, Department of Biology"Jo goes above and beyond for the employees within the department and takes care of all the tasks that often go unnoticed by many. When something needs to be done, you can often find Jo just doing it for us. She is a wonderful assistance to us all, and she is an amazing person!"Nominator: Mindy Sponsel, Associate in Research, Department of Biology

Rebeka Branagan, Administrative Assistant, Office of Communications, School of Medicine"Beky is the most helpful and knowledgeable administrative professional I have worked with at Duke. She is always willing to research an issue and put forth the effort needed to see that you have the most accurate and thorough information no matter what your issue."Nominator: Susan Chase, Staff Assistant, Office of Research Administration, School of Medicine

Tonya Brown (as member of Duke Health System Administrative Professionals Committee), Administrative Assistant, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastics, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology, & Gynecology"The members of the Duke Health System Administrative Professionals Committee set up Lunch & Learns, Administrative Network socials and provide support for all administrative professionals throughout the Duke Medical Center & the Duke Health System."Nominator: Tonya Brown, Administrative Assistant, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastics, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology & Gynecology

Cynthia Bullock, Administrative Assistant, Office of Corporate Research Collaboration"Cynthia does a great job keeping the office functioning smoothly and keeping everyone in line. One of my favorite things about her is her laugh. She always manages to laugh even when she is stressed to the core- and even if someone tells a bad joke."Nominator: Ashley J. Atkins, JD, Senior Strategic Services Associate, Office of Corporate Research Collaboration

Kimberly Capps, Administrative Assistant, Diagnostic Services"Kim is always pleasant, cheerful and never, ever says, "It can't be done". She will find a way! Kim always makes my work more efficient and enjoyable. I really appreciate her. "Nominator: Rita A. Winsor, Divisional Chief HR Officer, DUHS Clinical Laboratories

Grace Carnes, Staff Specialist, Department of Psychiatry"Grace brings humor and fun to the workplace, reminding our staff that it is important to laugh and connect with one another amidst our busy work day."Nominator: Anne Kagi, MPA, Network Liaison, National Center for Child Traumatic Stress

Ashley Curtis, HR Information Center Specialist (formerly Staff Assistant), Human Resources (formerly Ophthalmology)"Ashley's desire to learn and grow drives her to take on tasks from other Administrative Managers. She is always willing to take on new responsibilities with a positive attitude."Nominator: Elizabeth H. Gardner, MHA, Financial Management Analyst III, Duke Eye Center

Carmen Daniels, Patient Service Associate, Clinical Social Work"Carmen handles what can be daunting, frustrating and time-consuming processes with ease and always has a smile on her face. She has created space for the social workers in Pediatrics to devote more time to the emotional needs of patients and families facing illness and hospitalization."Nominator: Andrea P. Bowen, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Social Work, Pediatric Cardiology & Cardiac Transplant"Carmen is responsible, friendly, efficient, reliable and a super administrative assistant. She provides excellent customer service and is an amazing team player!"Nominator: Laurie Howlett, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Ann Durham, Administrative Specialist, PRMO Administrative Director"Ann has helped me many times look for conference rooms and coordinate important meetings, even though she is not required to do so. I feel she should be recognized for this willingness to help in any situation."Nominator: Craig Johnson, MHA, Project Lead, Access Redesign, AOO - Oncology Services

Stephanie Edwards, Staff Assistant, Pediatric Urology"Stephanie always has a smile on her face and has a positive attitude toward her co-workers and patients' families. She is always willing to help her co-workers. She is very much a team player and leads by example."Nominator: Brandi Capps, RN, BSN, Urotherapy Nurse Clinician, Pediatric Urology

Carolyn Foshee, Staff Specialist, Disbursement Services"A vendor was on the verge of missing a delivery deadline, and Carolyn helped me corral them so that they kept the original schedule. She found me new people to contact, new methods to reach out to our contacts and even initiated the communication for me. Never a day goes by that I don't think at one time (or many) - "Thank goodness for Carolyn!""Nominator: Kimberly Fox, CPA, Financial Analyst I, Corporate Payroll Services

Lynne Grossman, Executive Assistant, Libraries"Lynne is a marvel of organizational prowess, always a step ahead when it comes to scheduling meetings and following up with information and documents. She thinks quickly on her feet and always brings a positive attitude to work."Nominator: Deborah Jakubs, Rita DiGiallonardo Holloway University Librarian, Vice Provost for Library Affairs, Libraries

Tamie Harbison, Staff Assistant, Office of Alumni & Development, Law School"Tamie is just tireless in her efforts and she is always thinking of the good of the office."Nominator: Sondra W. Haithcock, Program Coordinator, Office of Alumni & Development, Law School

Rebecca Harris, Staff Specialist, Career Center"Rebecca's role in the office is to manage logistics and marketing for approximately 240 Career Center events each year. It is true that this requires an individual be very organized, detail-oriented and creative in problem solving and communication. Rebecca is extraordinary in these areas and in addition, offers us the brightest, most optimistic, thoughtful attitude every day."Nominator: Megan Wilson, Program and Marketing Coordinator, Career Center

Betty Henderson, Staff Assistant, Visa Services"Betty is extremely knowledgeable about Duke and how everything operates and if she doesn't know it, she knows who to call to find out. Betty also has an amazing, caring and joyful personality."Nominator: Claudia M. De La Cruz, International Student/Scholar Adviser, Visa Services

Jacqueline Hicks, Administrative Assistant, Pastoral Services"Jacqueline is beginning her third year as administrative assistant with the department. In that time, she has brought creation out of chaos to the position and her work area. In addition, she bakes a cake each month to celebrate those having birthdays."Nominator: Jim Rawlings, Jr., D.Min., Director, Pastoral Services

Julie Hobgood, Administrative Assistant, Duke Health Technology Solutions"Julie transitioned from Durham Regional Hospital to DHTS at Hock Plaza. She has eagerly embraced the new staff and team members, already making contributions to our suggestions for process improvements. She has transitioned most of her 90 day work plan in a short, six-week period!"Nominator: La Donna E. Worrell, Senior Manager, Field Services, Duke Health Technology Solutions

Gloria Irving, Administrative Assistant I, Radiology"Besides being super-organized and efficient, she always has time to lend an ear, and gives great advice to boot. She is a model of professionalism and friendliness."Nominator: Mei Mei Clarke, Staff Assistant, Pediatric Allergy & Immunology

Ashley James, Administrative Clerk, Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant"Ashley's ability to manage the clinic flow with open communication between various disciplines allows physicians, nurse practitioners and nurse coordinators to see patients efficiently and provide an excellent quality of care. Ashley has an enthusiasm that is contagious and she is a pleasure to work with."Nominator: Lauren Rich, RN, BSN, Nurse Clinician, Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program

Felicia Jenkins, Administrative Assistant, CDU, Cardiac MRI and Heart Station"When asked to get something done or coordinate an activity or meeting, Felicia makes it look easy no matter how much work it may take her. We have incorporated her ideas and kept on track with her assistance. Felicia jumped in with both feet when she transferred here and has been a shining star ever since."Nominator: Brian Coyne, M.Ed., RCEP, Clinical Operations Supervisor, Ambulatory Monitoring Lab, Cardiac Diagnostic Unit

Jennifer Kajcienski, Administrative Assistant, Division of Cellular Therapy"Jennifer graduated from the Professional administrative program (first time supervisors) a few years ago and then became supervisor in our department. She is a very organized and understanding supervisor. She excels in her position and is well liked by everyone in our department."Nominator: Connie Harrison, RCC, RAA, RAI, AGM, Administrative Assistant, SCOT, Division of Cellular Therapy/ABMT

Scott Karl, Administrative Secretary, Medical Center Engineering & Operations, Research Division"Scott reports to me but in addition to supporting me he also assists my 5 supervisors in topics ranging from time and attendance to preventive and corrective maintenance. Scott's "can-do" attitude has been instrumental in keeping our division running smoothly. We are very fortunate to have him on our team."Nominator: John M. Kramer PE, Assistant Director of Engineering, Medical Center Engineering & Operations

Angela King, Administrative Assistant, DHN Administration"The members of the Duke Health System Administrative Professionals Committee set up Lunch & Learns, Administrative Network socials and provide support for all administrative professionals throughout the Duke Medical Center & the Duke Health System."Nominator: Tonya Brown, Administrative Assistant, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastics, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology & Gynecology

Sylvia King, Administrative Assistant, Disability Management"Sylvia is able to assist with managing our departmental budget, maintain my daily calendar of events, schedule meetings, listen to stories about my three year old twins and take messages all at the same time. Sylvia makes my job much more manageable and is such a delight to work with on a daily basis."Nominator: Leigh Davis Fickling, J.D., M.Ed., M.S., Director, Disability Management System, Disability Management

Ronise Livingston, Staff Specialist, Career Center"Ronise Livingston in the Duke Career Center is such an outstanding member of our team. She is our recruiting coordinator and works with literally thousands of employers either via phone, email or online handling their requests, questions and concerns on a daily basis."Nominator: Jordan Hale, Assistant Director, External Relations, Career Center

Kelly Macklin, Administrative Coordinator, Speech and Audiology Administration"Kelly is a wealth of information in regards to the operations of the division. She is a wonderful mentor to the support staff, and is a pro at handling complex HR situations."Nominator: Jamie Forrester, Service Access Manager, Speech Pathology & Audiology, Clinic 1I

Diane Mangum, Staff Assistant, Cardiology"The members of the Duke Health System Administrative Professionals Committee set up Lunch & Learns, Administrative Network socials and provide support for all administrative professionals throughout the Duke Medical Center & the Duke Health System."Nominator: Tonya Brown, Administrative Assistant, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastics, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology & Gynecology

Adrienne Marchello, Administrative Assistant, Occupational & Environmental Safety Office"Adrienne is organized, efficient and professional to the point that she handles everything thrown at her with ease. She is truly the glue that holds together all of OESO's administrative functions. "Nominator: Gary M. Tencer CIH, Assistant Director, Occupational & Environmental Safety Office

Ceil Matthews, Administrative Assistant, Maestro Care, Duke Health Technology Solutions"She works on the Maestro Care Project and does a wonderful job balancing demands from so many different people and groups. She always has a smile and is always available when someone just needs to talk."Nominator: Tanya Alvord, RN, MBA, MHA, Sr. IT Analyst, Maestro Care Instructional Designer, Clinical Documentation/Stork, Duke Health Technology Solutions

Lou Ann Mitchell, Administrative Assistant, Gastroenterology"In the last couple of years, she has been especially important to my success at Duke. She helped in so many ways from understanding the basics of running the group to how the various aspects of Duke work (and how to negotiate through the occasional mine field). I appreciate her counsel and her honest feedback."Nominator: Andrew Muir, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Gastroenterology

Vicki Oakley, Administrative Assistant I, Facilities"Vicki provides outstanding service to anyone who comes to her with a request. I have not worked directly with her in several years, but she was always willing to help me and other administrative fellows even though she was not required to do so."Nominator: Craig Johnson, MHA, Project Lead, Access Redesign, AOO - Oncology Services"Vicky has given 29 years to DUH and plans to retire on March 29th. I don't know what our office suite, or DUH will do in her absence."Nominator: Robin Gasparini, MSN, RN, Strategic Services Associate, DUHS Chief Nursing Officer

April Perry, Staff Specialist, Employee Occupational Health & Wellness"April not only carries out administrative functions, but comes up with some of the best ideas for the department operations. She is the go to person for other administrative staff in the department and assists them with their duties."Nominator: Jeffery McNeil D.N.SC., R.N., Clinician/Manager, Employee Occupational Health & Wellness

Mary Pickard, Staff Assistant, Thoracic Surgery Administration"Mary was my mentor when I came to Duke 13 years ago. There was never a question she wouldn't answer and she's the reason I'm still here today, even though I haven't worked with her in years. I hope someday to be half the assistant she is."Nominator: Catherine Dalsing, Administrative Assistant, DCRI

Tamecia Pollard, Administrative Assistant, Duke Children's Primary Care - Southpoint"She greets everyone warmly and often is quick to follow up on the small details making it clear that she places a priority on relationships. She has been here long before me and I have no doubt that the awesome work environment I experience each day is a reflection of her consistent care and commitment to this clinic over many years. "Nominator: Joseph Augustus Jackson Jr., MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Duke Children's Primary Care - Southpoint"Since Tamecia's first day here, she has always shown excellent work. Not only is her work professional but she is also professional. She NEVER complains and always has a smile on her face!"Nominator: Beatriz Blanco Morris, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Duke Children's Primary Care - Southpoint"Tamecia makes active contributions to our medical team. She will be proactive in thinking of new ideas that can improve patient care. She exhibits real professionalism in speaking with patients and families. Nominator: Jeff Baker, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Duke Children's Primary Care - Southpoint"In the past 6 months as we have moved forward with Maestro Care, Tamecia has been instrumental in helping providers and front desk staff navigate through this system. She has found short cuts and even developed some of her own smart phrases & texts to improve our medical documentation. We are so fortunate to have Tamecia."Nominator: May Slowik, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Duke Children's Primary Care

Ellen Ray, Departmental Business Manager III, Biomedical Engineering"Ellen Ray is an outstanding Duke administrative assistant. Ellen has been affiliated with the BME Department for many years, adding to the national success of our Biomedical Engineering Department. She "is" BME at Pratt!"Nominator: Deborah Ungerleider, Program Coordinator, Pratt School of Engineering

Telissa Robinson, Staff Assistant, School of Medicine Compliance Office"Telissa greets you with a smile as soon as you walk into our suite. Her pleasant demeanor and positive attitude certainly sets the tone of the office. She takes the initiative to get the job done which has been a tremendous help for the office."Nominator: Michele T. Ragland, MPS, Senior Compliance Auditor, Financial Systems Specialist, School of Medicine Compliance Office

Janice Rogers, Staff Assistant, DCRI Faculty"Janice is someone who really does make a difference in our faculty support group. There are more than 30 assistants here and she really fosters the team concept."Nominator: Kathleen Miller, Administrative Manager, DCRI Faculty

Callie Satterfield, Unit Services Coordinator, Perianesthesia"Callie has worked at Duke for 40+ years and is an amazing woman. She is the most pleasant person I know and am amazed each day at her willingness to help others. She is a wonderful example of how we should treat others throughout our work day at Duke."Nominator: Cari Banks, Manager - Surgical Waiting Room, Perioperative Services

Vivian Scales, Administrative Assistant, Patient Resource Management "Viv always goes above and beyond her scope to ensure that our department runs seamlessly. She truly cares for our patients, their loved ones and her peers."Nominator: Monica B. McKnight RN, BSN, Pulmonary General Patient Resource Manager, Patient Resource Management

Traci Scoggins, Administrative Assistant, Clinical Engineering"The members of the Duke Health System Administrative Professionals Committee set up Lunch & Learns, Administrative Network socials and provide support for all administrative professionals throughout the Duke Medical Center & the Duke Health System."Nominator: Tonya Brown, Administrative Assistant, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastics, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology & Gynecology

Natalia Silva Harwood, Staff Assistant, Psychology & Neuroscience"Natalia has significantly improved the undergraduate section of the web site, taken the lead on publishing a weekly newsletter for undergrads with information on a number of interesting opportunities, and done an all around excellent job working with faculty and our majors. She is a great asset to our department and our students."Nominator: David Rabiner, Ph.D., Director of Undergraduate Studies, Psychology & Neuroscience

Pearline Vann, Administrative Assistant, DHTS Administrative Support"The members of the Duke Health System Administrative Professionals Committee set up Lunch & Learns, Administrative Network socials and provide support for all administrative professionals throughout the Duke Medical Center & the Duke Health System."Nominator: Tonya Brown, Administrative Assistant, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastics, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology & Gynecology

Anne Wade, Staff Assistant, Reproductive Endocrinology & Fertility"Anne quietly administers our huge, unwieldy database, our phone system, our three Reproductive Endocrine-Infertility fellows and anything else that falls in her tiny lap. We sure do miss her when she is not here."Nominator: Ellen Parker Shintay MT(ASCP)SH,TS (ABB),ET(ACE), Invitro Fertilization Specialist III, Reproductive Endocrinology & Fertility

Kate Walker, Assistant to Dean, Sanford School of Public Policy"Kate is awesome. She is professional, hard working, reliable, good-natured, kind and uncomplaining. She handles a massive quantity of information and myriad tasks for the dean and the school and, as far as I can tell, never drops a ball."Nominator: Karen Kemp, Assistant Dean for Communications & Marketing, Sanford School of Public Policy

Linda Washington, Clerk IV, Landscape Services"Linda goes beyond excelling at the organizational tasks expected of her, and handles the extremely complicated tasks of coordinating contactor's payments, ensuring vehicles can gas up, directing most of the phone calls issued to Grounds, Sanitation and Recycling, and generally running the office. When you see the flowers outside your building, the arching trees framing the chapel and the green grass in the quads, you should thank Linda for helping to make our campus beautiful."Nominator: Katie Rose Levin, Project Coordinator, Landscape Services

Colette Watt, Staff Assistant, Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions"Colette is a do-er; a reliable, friendly, efficient, effective, essential member of our team. She coordinates Duke University's participation in the United Nations annual climate meeting, serving as the Duke liaison with the UN on all logistical matters. She writes catchy limericks to post above our kitchen sink, reminding us to clean up after ourselves!"Nominator: Jessica Sheffield, Administrative Assistant, Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions

Thomasina Whitley, Administrative Assistant, OR - Infrastructure"There is never a day that goes by in the Duke North Operating Room where you would not find Thomasina busy at work making sure that everything is taken care of - she always has the right answers and is always helpful with everything she does. The value she adds to this organization is immeasurable."Nominator: Mike Kivel, MHA, Business Operations Manager, Perioperative Services

Sarah Woodard, Administrative Coordinator, DUHS VP Human Resources"The members of the Duke Health System Administrative Professionals Committee set up Lunch & Learns, Administrative Network socials and provide support for all administrative professionals throughout the Duke Medical Center & the Duke Health System."Nominator: Tonya Brown, Administrative Assistant, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastics, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology & Gynecology