Yale Finance Competencies - Special Recognition Award winners 2023

Continuing our commitment to fostering and strengthening a positive work environment, the Finance Extended Leadership Team (ELT), working in collaboration with our Human Resources team, has developed an award program based on and inspired by our five Finance core competencies. The idea of recognizing role models who demonstrated these core competencies during the Winter Warmer occurred during an ELT workshop session in November. A panel of ELT, HR members, and ultimately, my SLT reviewed all 700 + cards (thank you for recognizing and celebrating each other during the year) to select our final winners! A well-deserved congratulations to the winners who received a certificate of recognition and a commemorative Yale coin, designed and minted specially for Yale Finance. 

Menhaj Ulhaq received the collaboration award for consistently modeling the behaviors (facilitating cooperation) and the actions (teaching) in his interactions with a new team member. He effectively promoted a positive work environment where newcomers could learn independently and feel encouraged to ask questions to complete work. Ensuring his team members had a level of comfort within this established group brought her up to speed quickly, allowed her to get work done efficiently, and made her feel like a contributing member of the team. Most importantly, he shows he cares about her progress and place on the team by taking the time and being instrumental in her work output.  

Rodney Brunson received the award for his powerful communication skills. We celebrated Rodney because he exhibits the behaviors (stretching himself to accomplish bigger goals) and the actions (facilitating open communications and understanding in the Finance unit) we value. By leading his team on the supplier setup project, Rodney is showing up and modeling what authentic leadership looks like. He was thoroughly prepared at the meeting to answer any questions, and his understanding and knowledge of the business case also facilitated excellent communication between groups to move the project to the desired outcome. At another meeting, he used his active listening, confidence, public speaking, and presentation skills to communicate the OneFinance goals effectively. Rodney shows he cares about achieving team goals, and his actions encourage others to work harder to do the same.  

Valerie Hallstrom was awarded for taking initiative on a deep dive, working closely with others, and committing to a better work product. We cheer Valerie’s hard work and dedication to a clean-up project that was previously riddled with mismatches and inaccuracies. She is demonstrating the behaviors we expect from Finance staff by taking on new projects, which is a sign that an individual is open to stretching and growing professionally. Though it’s important to note that Valerie succeeded in her efforts, handling ambitious projects like these demonstrated her willingness and courage to improve a process and get better, regardless of the project outcome.  

Liz Burnell was awarded for inspiring and motivating her team to become high-performance individuals. She was significant in supporting project management to ensure her team completed their work. She ensured the work process was conducive to her team members so they could fulfill their day-to-day routine operations. Using her resource management, scheduling, and project management skills, Liz has created an atmosphere where others could shine and excel. She made other team members feel connected and proud by continually recognizing their work. Her inspired leadership of the projects and her professional conduct are a testament to what a good employee is. With these behaviors, Liz led the team by example and showed what can be accomplished through diligence and hard work.  

Susan Crisafi was awarded the integrity award for her care and diligence in maintaining her team’s flawless operations and, by extension, the Finance unit’s entire operations. Sue’s efforts ensured the team’s projects ran smoothly without any obstacles or delays. More importantly, she does this in such a friendly way that it further endears her to others, making them feel more engaged and connected as a team. She exhibits the energy and enthusiasm that are the benchmarks of a great colleague by taking great care to support the university through her day-to-day activities while also displaying high integrity and honesty. 

Thank you to everyone who participated, those who were recognized, and those who submitted cards for others. Though we couldn’t recognize everyone, we appreciate your role in setting a positive work culture for Finance. I enjoyed reading your comments on these recognition cards, and I look forward to reading your submissions in the new year. What a wonderful reminder of how much we’ve accomplished and a remarkable way to close the calendar year. See you in 2024! 

Best.
Steve