Winner

Chris Moore, middleware system administrator, Web Application Development & Automation, Software Platform Services, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) organization

Highlights from his nomination letter:

“Iam thrilled to write this second nomination for Chris “Mittens” Moore. I strongly believe that Chris embodies the essence of this prestigious award.

Chris brings extensive experience from his tenure at UIT and previously at the University Campus Help Desk, where his adept handling of complex issues and ability to offer insightful solutions have consistently stood out. What truly sets Chris apart, however, is not just his technical skills but also his extraordinary patience and knack for asking the right questions that lead to effective problem-solving.

Beyond his technical experience, Chris remains deeply engaged with his team, actively participating in crucial discussions and sharing invaluable insights through platforms like Microsoft Teams. His proactive approach to sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and fostering collaboration has significantly enhanced team dynamics and contributed to the professional growth of his colleagues.

Chris excels in communication, regularly keeping our team informed about project progress and potential hurdles, which enables us to preemptively address challenges. His ability to simplify complex technical details into understandable language is particularly noteworthy, ensuring clear communication with our clients and promoting understanding across various audiences.

In addition to his technical knowledge and communication skills, Chris embodies a spirit of service and teamwork that perfectly aligns with the values upheld by the Kevin Taylor Memorial Service Award. His unwavering commitment to advancing UIT’s mission and optimizing the university’s operational efficiency makes him an exceptionally deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.”

~ Submitted by Emily Jacoby, Website Services program manager, UIT Web Support & Usability

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Excerpts from the letters for the other nominees

Dax Christensen, manager, Service Management for Platform Services

“Dax is committed to excellence in his daily interactions with others. He has remarkable talents of engagement and listening with intent to understand.

The ServiceNow platform serves both our faculty, students, and staff at the university, as well as our colleagues at the University of Utah Health Sciences. Dax has a customer base that spans the university and he always focuses on the customer experience and ways it can be improved. 

Dax has wonderful people skills. I can count on him in crafting a sensitive email in a way that opens doors and expands communication. He works hard to build relationships across multiple teams within the UIT family. This is evidenced by the multiple communities of practice his team leads the active engagement his team has in all facets of UIT.  

He is humble in his approach, always quick to acknowledge where corrections may be needed and ready to move forward with change. Dax is genuine and embodies kindness. He looks out for others and has a huge heart. Professionally, Dax has created a team culture of respect, compassion, and kindness.”

~ Submitted by Phil Kimball, associate director, CTO Service Management

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Barb Iannucci, director, UIT Web Support & Usability

“Barb has built an amazing team of caring and compassionate associates in an environment of collaboration with her customers. Her team is willing to do whatever it takes to solve the customer’s requirements. Our business partners have choices with content management and they are very loyal to Barb and her team.

Barb also is passionate about accessibility and constantly arranges training and updates to ensure that the U’s web properties are accessible. The federal government is very serious about this and Barb has made herself the campus authority on this topic. She and her team are always training the web community on this topic and I regularly receive praise from across campus for her efforts.

Barb is also the University Webmaster and has created and hosts the Campus Web Community of Practice. She trains and works with web content providers across campus as well as University Marketing  & Communications to make sure our web properties work well, look good, and are consistent and accessible. She frequently has to cover the same topics over and over and does so with patience and expertise. I get many emails and contacts from the campus community on the excellent work Barb does here.

Barb combines technical expertise with an attitude of caring and professionalism that is a rare combination.”

~ Submitted by Ken Pink, deputy chief information officer

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Maximus Isakson, Campus IT Help Desk agent

“Maximus Isakson is a devoted worker through and through. He strives to do his job quickly and effectively. He is super professional and very polite. Of all my time working various jobs, he is one of the most driven individuals I’ve had the pleasure of meeting! He very clearly takes his job seriously and his work ethic is inspiring.”

“My fellow colleague, Maximus, has pioneered many of the most up-to-date UIT Help Desk Knowledge Base information articles. Maximus got his start here at the Help Desk in March of 2023, and was promoted to team lead after only a few months. Ever since joining the team, his impact on UIT and the Help Desk has been monumental.”

~ Submitted by Stam Burgess and Alex Longoria, Campus IT Help Desk agents

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Dean Keyek-Franssen, business analyst, UIT Partner Relations

“Whenever you have a question or need help navigating the university’s partnerships, there’s one person everyone recommends — Dean. Originally from Canada, Dean brings a warmth and friendliness that instantly puts you at ease. His kind eyes crinkle at the corners whenever he smiles, which seems to be constantly. 

 Working in Partner Relations, Dean is a natural connector. He has a knack for understanding both the university’s needs and those of its potential partners. But it’s his genuine helpfulness that truly sets him apart. He never seems too busy to answer a question, no matter how small, and always takes the time to explain things clearly and patiently. 

There’s a hint of a Canadian accent that peeks through sometimes, especially when he throws in a friendly “eh?” or a “no problem” after going above and beyond. Dean is the kind of person who makes you feel like the university truly values its partnerships, and that’s a big part of why he’s so successful at building strong relationships.”

~ Submitted by Clay Postma, director, UIT Partner Relations

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Charles Wilcox, systems engineer, Operations, Identity & Access Management (IAM)

“Charles, with his exceptional technical skills, dedication, and teamwork, has successfully implemented our new core IAM product, Privilege Access Manager, a notoriously complex system.

Charles quickly grasped the intricacies of the PAM product, overcoming its steep learning curve. His in-depth understanding proved invaluable in configuring the system to meet the diverse needs of numerous campus departments. Charles consistently provided clear and concise explanations, even for technical concepts, fostering trust and collaboration with all stakeholders.

Charles played a pivotal role in onboarding admins and thousands of servers onto the new PAM platform. His meticulous attention to detail and proactive problem-solving ensured a smooth transition with minimal disruption. His leadership was instrumental in this success. 

Charles’s collaborative spirit was instrumental in the project’s success. He fostered open communication across departments and built solid relationships with all involved. His positive attitude and willingness to help made even the most challenging tasks manageable. His hard work and open and willing style have greatly influenced his IAM team and its members.

Throughout the implementation process, Charles encountered numerous technical hurdles. However, he consistently displayed a calm and collected demeanor, applying his expertise to find creative solutions. His innovative thinking and resourcefulness ensured the project remained on track, giving us all confidence in his abilities.

Charles is a true asset to our team and embodies the essence of this award.

~ Submitted by Dave Packham, associate director, Identity & Access Management

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Dr. Joey Yang, systems administrator, University Campus Computer Support

“Since our first meeting, Joey’s kindness and patience have consistently stood out, shaping not only his professional excellence but also his approachable demeanor that makes him a trusted colleague and mentor.

Joey’s technical proficiency and strong work ethic have been crucial in maintaining our team’s operations at peak performance levels. His proactive approach to problem-solving ensures swift resolution of issues, minimizing downtime and disruptions for both our team and the university community clients we serve.

Beyond his technical skills, Joey’s genuine kindness shines through in his interactions with colleagues. During quarantine, I experienced Joey’s support firsthand when he assisted me with a computer issue. His patience and willingness to help, even during challenging times, demonstrate his commitment to the success of others. Joey’s dedication extends beyond our department. He is recognized for his reliability and responsiveness in addressing IT issues, consistently earning praise for his customercentric approach and prompt problem resolution.

In conclusion, Joey Yang exemplifies the qualities honored by the Kevin Taylor Service Award through his technical expertise, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His contributions have significantly enhanced the efficiency of our IT services and enriched the university experience as a whole.”

~ Submitted by Emily Jacoby, Website Services program manager, UIT Web Support & Usability