Each year, the President’s Staff Awards honor University of Rochester employees who demonstrate innovative leadership, unwavering dedication, and meaningful contributions that have lasting impact on the University and its community. This year’s awards include the Meliora Award, Lamar Riley Murphy Leadership Award, Witmer Award for Distinguished Service, Staff Community Service Award, and the most recent addition to the staff awards, the President’s Spotlight Award.
The Meliora Award recognizes staff members whose work performance and dedication during the preceding few years exemplify the University’s motto, Meliora.
Daniel Salamone Senior Director, Compensation, Human Resources
Daniel Salamone embodies the Meliora Values through his innovative contributions, unwavering leadership, and steadfast commitment to fostering a collaborative and progressive environment.
A true trailblazer, Dan has played a pivotal leadership role in the University’s HR Modernization efforts. He was a key member of the Career Modernization Project Team where under his leadership, we transformed the University’s compensation model. Dan identified and developed the plan for transitioning to a more forward-thinking approach that transformed the University’s job and compensation structure for the future.
Dan also served as Project Sponsor for the implementation of myURHR and UKG – two critical HR systems that now serve as a backbone to the University. These projects have streamlined, automated and advanced HR practices across a complex, matrixed structure – eliminating manual practices and connecting key events within the employee lifecycle. Dan’s strategic oversight ensured consistent and thoughtful leadership that culminated in a successful launch and implementation.
Dan’s ability to lead these transformative projects has resulted in a more efficient, automated, and connected experience for employees and stakeholders. His collaborative nature, and approachable demeanor make him an invaluable resource to colleagues at all levels.
“Dan is a model of professionalism and grace,” writes Jamilyn Bradley, Assistant Director, Human Resources, who nominated Salamone for the award. “He approaches every challenge with a smile, maintaining composure and positivity even in the most complex situations. His approachable nature fosters open communication, making him a trusted resource for colleagues across the institution.”
Diane Prinzing Data Analyst, Department of Pediatrics
Colleagues say her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, along with her compassionate leadership style make Diane Prinzing the go-to person to get the job done.
For nearly two decades, Diane has been the quiet force behind some of the most impactful quality and safety initiatives at Golisano Children’s Hospital. While she doesn’t hold a formal leadership title, her leadership permeates every corner of our hospital. She’s the one everyone counts on to manage complex projects, unite multidisciplinary teams, and keep our most important work moving forward – with excellence, humility, and heart.
Diane’s outstanding work in analytics, quality improvement, and patient safety leadership have been instrumental in placing Golisano Children’s Hospital on the map in multicenter rankings including US News and World Report and the Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) Network.
Diane serves as the project manager for the Surgical Site Infection – Colon workgroup. Her leadership shines through as she brings together a team of surgeons, advanced practice providers, and inpatient and perioperative nurses, resulting in a clinically and statistically significant reduction in infection events. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the URMC Board of Trustees for Excellence in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, the Greater Rochester Quality Council Performance Excellence Award, the Golisano Children’s Hospital Support Staff Award of Excellence, and the Unit Based Performance LEAN Operations Excellence Award. She has also earned her LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
“Though her official title is ‘Information Analyst’, Ms. Prinzing is also a recognized leader, project manager, administrator, coach, mentor, performance improvement practitioner, and safety culture champion,” writes Matthew Allen, MS, RN, CNS, PNP-BC, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist for Policy and Regularly Management at Golisano Children’s Hospital, who nominated Prinzing for the award. “Her knowledge, expertise, willingness to go the extra mile, and forward thinking has propelled Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH) to provide the highest quality care possible to the children and families we serve.”
The Controller’s Office
In 2024, the Controller’s Office played a pivotal role in the MyURHR implementation, working closely with Human Resources and Information Technology to overcome integration challenges and ensure uninterrupted payroll processing across the entire University while aligning our financial systems with the new platform.
During the implementation, the Controller’s Office Team ensured that payroll operations continued for over 30,000 employees while the system transitioned. When challenges arose, the team initiated cross-departmental collaborations with HR and IT to find the best solutions to accommodate both financial and human resource needs.
Along with maintaining regular essential financial operations and supporting this major transition, the team also successfully completed the Facilities and Administrative rate review with the Department of Health and Human Services – a comprehensive federal evaluation that occurs only about once a decade and directly impacts how much funding the University recovers for research infrastructure costs. Due to the professionalism and accuracy of the team, we achieved our eighth consecutive clean audit from PricewaterhouseCoopers.
“The Controller’s Office team’s work directly supports our Boundless Possibility strategic plan by modernizing our financial systems and improving coordination across the University,” writes Elizabeth Milavec, Executive Vice President for Administration & Finance, CFO, and Treasurer, who nominated the Controller’s Office for the award. “Their careful attention to detail provides the reliable financial information we need to make confident decisions about resources.”
Lamar Riley Murphy Leadership Award
The Lamar Riley Murphy Leadership Award recognizes an individual who is an exemplary role model and demonstrates innovative and proactive leadership.
Indira Akins Senior Practice Manager, UR Medicine Urgent Care
Colleagues say Indira’s exceptional leadership qualities, demonstrated across the UR Medicine Urgent Care locations, impact not only the Outpatient Access Representative (OAR) group, but the entire Urgent Care team.
Indira demonstrates a profound ability to understand and share the feelings of others, making her an empathetic leader who fosters a supportive and collaborative environment for staff, and a welcoming and nurturing place for patients and families. Her genuine concern allows others to feel heard and valued. Indira actively seeks space to listen and understand, serving as a mentor and sounding board for her colleagues and managers on her team.
As a senior practice manager overseeing seven sites, Indira’s leadership approach is also marked by strong communication and authentic connection. She regularly connects with all her staff, engaging in one-on-one conversations as a routine rather than a requirement. She actively listens to feedback and always seeks to strike a balance between the business needs and those of her team.
For example, she manages a complex schedule while working diligently to accommodate staff requests for time off and preferred locations, even adjusting her own schedule or working late to help fill gaps when necessary. She cares for staff on a deeper level, often making dinners and sharing life experiences, all while empowering her team to remain focused and achieve organizational goals.
“In addition to her empathy, Indira’s unwavering integrity is evident in all her actions,” wrote Scott Musial, Associate Director, Urgent Care, who nominated Akins for the award. “She upholds the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency and honesty in every decision she makes. Her commitment to doing what is right, even in challenging situations, has earned her the trust and respect of her colleagues and peers.”
Witmer Award for Distinguished Service
The Witmer Award is presented to staff members whose careers have been characterized by outstanding and sustained contributions to the University.
Michael Ritz Director of Research Compliance, University Rochester Research
Throughout his remarkable career at the University of Rochester, Mike Ritz has distinguished himself as a quiet force of operational excellence, visionary leadership, and unshakable integrity. As the longtime Director of Research Compliance within the Office of Research and Project Administration (ORPA), Mike has transformed the University’s approach to medical research finance and compliance by creating systems, policies, and trainings that have become foundational to the institution’s success.
Mike’s contributions are as vast as they are vital. He led the creation of the University’s Research Compliance Office, establishing consistent financial oversight across clinical research studies and protecting the University from financial and reputational risk.
Among his many achievements, Mike’s dedication to teaching his peers has been one of the most impactful. Mike launched and led the CLASP program (Continuous Learning for Administrators of Sponsored Programs), a rigorous and comprehensive training series that has educated hundreds of University staff on the complex world of sponsored research.
Mike’s global understanding of risk, regulations, the University’s structure, and IT systems truly make him an outstanding resource. He contributes to numerous University committees, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Compliance Officers’ Forum, Research Billing Compliance Subgroup, and is considered an expert in research billing compliance by his peers. Mike co-authored the highly regarded book, “A Primer on Clinical Trials for the Research Administrator,” published by the National Council of University Research Administrators. Mike also serves as a trusted voice within the Industry – University Cooperative Research Centers Clinical Research Billing (IUCC CRB ) network, a collaborative group of compliance professionals from peer institutions, shaping best practices across the country.
“Mike is one of those irreplaceable directors who has a thorough knowledge of the cradle to grave medical research finance operation and sees the top-level view,” writes Julie Doyle, Nathan Hart, Joshua Maiman, Terese Maso, members of the Research Compliance Team who nominated Ritz for the award. “He has spent his entire career striving for excellence in this niche, allowing medical research to flourish at the University and avoiding reputational harm and penalties for non-compliance.”
Nora Tabone Chief Privacy Officer, Medical Center Finance
With a remarkable 45-year career at the University of Rochester, Nora Tabone exemplifies the spirit of the Witmer Award through her lifelong dedication to excellence, integrity and services. Starting as a staff nurse in the Department of Psychiatry and rising to become the Chief Privacy Officer of URMC and UR Medicine, Nora has consistently demonstrated a commitment to patient care, compliance and institutional advancement.
For nearly four decades in Psychiatry, including 20 years as the department’s quality officer, Nora was known for her deep knowledge, reliability, and compassionate leadership.
Since stepping into her role as Chief Privacy Officer eight years ago, Nora has redefined what it means to lead in compliance. She has helped the institution navigate complex privacy regulations with both rigor and flexibility, serving as a strategic partner to faculty, staff, and leadership. Her calm, expert guidance has shaped institutional responses to major challenges including a pivotal federal investigation. She helped URMC navigate the situation while upholding its reputation.
Nora successfully co-led the award-winning “Protect the House” education campaign, partnering with Information Security and IT. She helped to ground the strategy and creative in clinical insight, making privacy education relevant, engaging, and actionable across the University.
Nora’s influence reaches far beyond her official duties. She regularly shares her expertise and problem-solving acumen across departments and business lines. Her work has helped reshape the culture around privacy and compliance, transforming perceived barriers into highly valued support and guidance.
“As the Chief Privacy Officer, Nora’s hallmark leadership style has been that of collaboration and partnership,” writes James Forrester, MS, Josh Miller, JD, and Lisa Nelson, PharmD, URMC Leaders who have nominated Tabone for the award. “As Nora has been able to change the image of the Privacy Office from a ‘just say no’ regulatory function to a strategic partner that helps our faculty and staff meet their needs and objectives while respecting and maintaining privacy.”
Mary Madsen Associate Director, UHS Clinical Operations
For 38 years, Mary Madsen has been a pillar of excellence, leadership, and service at University Health Services (UHS). As Associate Director of Clinical Operations and a registered nurse, Mary has consistently championed a patient-centered approach, balancing the needs of students and staff with the operational demands of a complex healthcare environment. Her ability to lead through both everyday challenges and public health crises has made her a trusted figure across the University.
One of Mary’s most notable accomplishments includes her leadership in UHS’s most ambitious flu vaccination clinic that provided 5,000 flu shots in a single day and also doubled as a test of the University’s emergency preparedness. The clinic demonstrated the University’s capability to respond swiftly and efficiently to urgent public health needs, should a major outbreak or bioterrorism event ever arise.
The success of this initiative inspired participation in the Alana Yaksich National College & University Flu Challenge, a competition aimed at increasing flu vaccination rates on college campuses. Under Mary’s continued guidance and advocacy, the University of Rochester won the challenge in the small school category for three consecutive years.
Mary’s accomplishments have played a key role in helping UHS maintain accreditation from the American Association for Ambulatory Healthcare (AAAHC) and achieve designation as a Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
Mary’s leadership also proved essential during the COVID-19 pandemic when she coordinated the University’s wide-ranging health response. From contact tracing and surveillance testing to managing documentation and supporting digital dashboards, the team added these responsibilities along with providing routine primary care services. Mary’s deep institutional knowledge, and “can-do” spirit inspired confidence during uncertain times and set a tone of perseverance and empathy.
“Mary has consistently championed UHS through both opportunities and challenges over the past 36 years, with her only motivation being to positively impact those around her,” said Kristi Brock, UHS Associate Director for Student Health Requirements, who nominated Madsen for the award. “She has stepped up for our students and our patients time and time again with great personal sacrifice, and she is truly a mentor and an inspiration to those of us that have had the pleasure of working alongside her.”
Staff Community Service Award
The Staff Community Service Award honors a nonmanagement staff member whose commitment best exemplifies service to the University and the Greater Rochester community.
Jennifer Shaw Pharmacy Buyer, Pharmacy Procurement
Jennifer Shaw exemplifies the spirit of the University of Rochester’s Staff Community Service Award through her exceptional dedication to volunteerism within both the University and the greater Rochester community. As a valued member of the Pharmacy Supply Chain team for over 15 years, Jennifer has consistently led department-wide volunteer efforts with creativity, enthusiasm, and remarkable effectiveness.
Since 2010, she has played a pivotal role in the University’s annual United Way Campaign, overseeing a large network of volunteers across numerous pharmacy locations. Jennifer also co-leads the Department of Pharmacy’s Baby Love program, organizing holiday donations for families in need.
Her service extends well beyond the University. Jennifer has been a dedicated Girl Scout leader since 2013, growing a single kindergarten troop into a thriving group of high schoolers. As the Webster Service Unit Manager, she now mentors more than 40 troops and 400+ volunteers. She also serves as a National Council Delegate, representing 20,000+ members of the Girl Scouts of Western NY at the national level. Her leadership and mentorship have earned her numerous honors, including the Girl Scouts’ highest volunteer recognition—the Thanks Badge—and the Presidential Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Service Award for over 4,500 hours of service.
“Jennifer is always the person who raises her hand and rolls up her sleeves and gets even the small volunteer efforts organized,” wrote Curtis E. Haas, Pharm.D., FCC, who nominated Shaw for the award. “I have never worked with anyone else who is so generous with her time and effort for volunteer activities in the workplace, the department and hospital, and the University is a better place to work because of caring and generous people like Jennifer.”
President’s Spotlight Award
Created in 2023, the award recognizes an individual who has spontaneously gone above and beyond in an exceptional act of kindness or service to the University or the Greater Rochester community.
Dave Nelson Deputy to Senior Associate Vice President, University Facilities and Services
With no prior experience in food service, Dave Nelson was asked to step in and stabilize student dining operations during a sudden leadership transition. Student dining plays an essential and complex role in delivering the student experience. Despite the challenge, Dave’s exceptional leadership ensured seamless continuity of service while laying the groundwork for a refreshed, collaborative approach to its future.
Dave quickly built strong relationships with staff, helped stabilize operations, and supported the recruitment of an entirely new leadership team – all while guiding the University through a shift away from our third-party contractor. His willingness to dive into completely unfamiliar territory, and do it with a focus, humility, and care, is nothing short of inspiring.
Not all heroes wear capes. Dave is one of those everyday heroes. His exceptional act of service has helped move student dining into a new era.
