Outstanding HR Business Partner of the Year
Lew Montgomery
Senior HR Director
Finance and Operations
Lew exemplifies the pinnacle of HR leadership with his profound understanding of organizational dynamics, his ability to foster an inclusive campus culture, and his adept relationship management and effective communication skills.
He continuously provides outstanding service, exemplary leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to continuous development.
Outstanding Strategic HR Business Partner of the Year
Karen Shemanski
Senior HR Director
UI Libraries
Karen’s leadership continually exemplifies the criteria for the outstanding strategic HR business award, specifically with her recent work guiding a suite of critical organization-wide HR changes in the UI Libraries, including the implementation of new librarian classification descriptions, a new promotion process, and a new model for recognizing and rewarding professional achievements.
Her leadership is truly instrumental in the overall success of HR within the UI Libraries.
Outstanding Business Partner of the Year
Sarah Tallman
Associate Director of Operations
Office of the Vice President for Research
Sarah exemplifies being a committed business partner with her extensive institutional knowledge, her ability to communicate financial information and processes effectively, and her skills in creating and maintaining lasting working relationships.
She continuously provides outstanding customer service, a commitment to effective and efficient financial management, and the understanding in developing a cohesive team.
Outstanding Strategic Business Partner of the Year
Audra Haddy
Director of Budget Planning and Analysis
Financial Management and Budget Finance and Operations
Audra’s partnerships and financial expertise exemplify the criteria for the outstanding strategic business award. She has vast knowledge of the budget process and the ability to communicate the complex process to campus users.
She prioritizes customer service in her interactions, communicates important budget and financial information within F&O and to stakeholders across campus, and takes a strategic approach to solving challenging financial issues.
Partners in Progress Team Award
Health Care Payroll
Tara Black
Megan Sullivan
Teresa Volk
Ronnie Chalupa
Nicole Mullinnix
The Health Care Payroll team exudes exceptional teamwork and dedication, using a high level of professionalism and expertise. They provide guidance on a wide range of pay practices, ensuring employees feel supported and empowered as they navigate the complexity of payroll processes.
Their unwavering commitment to integrity and excellence is evident in every aspect of their work, and they remain dedicated to delivering accurate and timely payroll services.