Brandon Gresham 
University Support Services, Deputy CIO organization

“I am frequently impressed with Brandon’s roll up your sleeves and get to work attitude that he exhibits and instills in those around him. His empathy and compassion make him an excellent campus partner because he genuinely understands his service partners’ needs and pain points. Because of that, he is driven to help others make connections with people in his vast network of university partners so that problems can be researched and addressed quickly and creatively. 

I frequently say “high tide raises all boats” to convey the sentiment that when one of us wins, we all win. Brandon is one of my most dependable partners to aid in raising the tide for campus Salesforce teams to ensure our and the university’s successes.”

~ Submitted by Arainna Forth, University Connected Learning

---

Josh Grey
Software Platform Services, CTO organization

“Josh is a highly efficient, self-running machine who always meets deadlines. He is smart and knows the best way to get things done. Not only does Josh make high quality decisions, he excels in documentation, along with many other responsibilities, and addresses vulnerabilities before they become a problem.”

~ Submitted by Peter Mo, UIT

---

Ryan Hines
Strategic Planning and Process Team, Deputy CIO organization

“Nearly every day since he joined us in 2004, staff and senior leaders across campus ask for Ryan’s help to improve workflow efficiencies. They recognize the quality of his work and the thoughtful ideas he gives them, but more importantly, he makes them feel heard. 

His disarming style immediately generates a sense of trust working with him. … Senior leadership repeatedly ask for Ryan because his reports lay out situations clearly, stick to the facts with supporting data, and have buy-in from all stakeholders.

Ryan routinely spends hours coaching and guiding teammates. His directors often assign new staff to shadow him so that they learn the established processes of our team. More importantly, his quiet, effective style baselines the culture of our team.”

~ Submitted by Jeff Shuckra, UIT

---

Beth Sallay
University Campus Computer Support, CTO organization

“In only a few years, I have come to know Beth as a dedicated, delightful, and diligent UIT employee and colleague. Others have noticed, too. For many university employees, Beth often is the first line of technical support. We rely on her to respond to and resolve our issues, which she does quickly and efficiently with an approachable, friendly attitude. 

Whether the problem or need is easy or challenging, Beth provides outstanding support and customer service, often going above and beyond to ensure that we’re taken care of. …

I can’t praise Beth enough. It goes without saying that she’s an amazing systems administrator. More than that, though, she’s warm and welcoming, striking up conversations with anyone and everyone on any number of topics (although I especially love our chats about books, movies, and TV shows). And she really listens — all our interactions feel personal and conversational, not transactional. She’s one of the best.”

~ Submitted by Larrisa Beth Turner, UIT

---

Dan Thornley 
University Support Services, Deputy CIO organization

“Dan is extraordinarily kind and effective. In the seven years I have known him, I have never heard him raise his voice or be short with either an associate or a customer. He is very patient and concerned over the well-being of our customers and associates. 

As associate director of USS Quality Assurance, Dan has overseen, along with our business partners, the huge expansion of our automated testing processes, which takes load off our business partners but puts more on his team.

He is always working to make the university a better place for all. He is an ardent supporter of our student programs and his students are always prepared to move into professional positions as they graduate the university.  ...

He is a true professional in all senses of the word.”

~ Submitted by Ken Pink, UIT