UIT-ITS staff pay tribute to U of U Health CIO Jim Turnbull

I have worked under many different leaders through my career. I learned early in my career that many leaders would say they recognized the importance of the people who work in their organization, but I have met only a few who really understood the value of each individual in the organization. Of those I have met, you are the best. If I were to write a book on leadership, I would highlight you as the best example of great leadership that I have seen. You have made this a great organization, and I am proud to be a part of it.

Thank you for all you have done for this organization and making me feel like a vital part of the organization from the day I started working here. You will be dearly missed by the organization and by me. You deserve a wonderful retirement.

— Rob Robinson, ITS PgMO

Jim has always been extremely good to me. In my first year at ITS, he invited me and my son to see a Real Salt Lake soccer game. It was a wonderful experience, and my son has not forgotten it. He, along with myself, are some of Jim’s biggest fans. I hope you have a wonderful retirement and enjoy the next chapter of your life. We will miss you! 

— Matt Allred, ITS 

December 5, 2018, the ITS Bake Sale for Utah Food Bank: I watched Jim walk into the 7th Floor conference room with the cutest sweater. I about fell on the floor, laughing. I will definitely miss his antics and genuine humor. I think Jon Messina ended up buying the sweater when JT auctioned it.

— Lyz Ostler, Telehealth Support Desk

 Twelve years ago, when you first started at the Hospitals and Clinics (I don’t think you had even been in the office yet), I had the uncomfortable opportunity to call you and let you know we had a tape backup theft. I knew by the end of our phone conversation that I was talking with someone I was going to thoroughly enjoy working for. You put my fears at ease, and we worked through the situation under your leadership like it was a walk in the park. I can say without hesitation that working for you has been one of the highlights of my career.

It’s a unique opportunity to be able to learn from a master. I can’t count the times I’ve asked myself, “What would JT do in this situation, or how would he deal with that problem?” You are the best of the best as a CIO and human being. Your experience and knowledge have been such a blessing to me with helping me grow in my career. Your kindness and genuine caring for me and my family have always been a strength to me knowing that you always have my best interest at heart. You bring so much fun to the workplace and are always looking for creative ways to bring camaraderie to those who work for you.

JT, you’ll be greatly missed, but I wish you the very best with your well-deserved retirement. I hope you’ll always keep in touch. We all want to hear about the many adventures that you’ll no doubt have. Take care, my friend!

— Jim Livingston, Chief Technology Officer 

One of my first months at work, I sat next to Jim and Carrie King during the annual Holiday Bake Sale and Auction. I watched as Jim and Carrie battled it out for their favorite baked goods. He kept upping the bid for the cupcakes she wanted. Every time he thought he had won, Carrie would counter with a higher bid. This was my first introduction to Jim, and how he understood and cared about his employees enough to mess with them.

— Emily Johnson, ITS 

Congratulations on a fabulous and storied career! We have been lucky to have you work for the U. You brought a sense of calm, good cheer, planning, and togetherness. Your warmth and solid decision-making have helped the U Hospital and Clinics thrive and provide great patient care.

Also, personally, I would like to thank you for sitting on my Ph.D. committee. I still have a few emails you sent during that arduous process. Please know that your words of encouragement helped me proceed, especially when times were a little tough.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Enjoy retirement and the joy that every day brings.

— Ann Lyons, Data Science Services

It has been quite a wild ride with a ton of great memories! You have always been so generous with your time and your encouragement, leading us all to victory — whether it be at work or in our personal lives. Your drive and smile light up any event, from our 2008 ITS Ragnar team to our Outclimb Cancer Challenge in the Wells Fargo Tower, from empowering One Chart to trying to catch you on the Midmountain Marathon course, and cheering RSL on to victory with you and your wonderful sister Jill. I will always remember that light! I wish you many more amazing adventures as you begin this new time in your life. We will miss you horribly! Take care and stay in touch.

— Anne Jacob, ITS

We were running in the Emigration Canyon 10-miler a few years ago. I fancied myself as somewhat of a runner. About halfway down, Jim passed me and I couldn't keep up. Awesome shape “for someone of his age.”

— Ken Kizer, ITS 

While working with the Network Services team, we were migrating to a single wireless infrastructure. This required sections of the hospital to go "dark" as we changed out access points. I ended up in Jim’s office because some clinical staff felt there hadn't been any communication. I discussed the issue with Jim, and we talked about who had been told about the change. I told him I had communicated with everyone I knew of. He asked if I could communicate with more people. I said I would be happy to, but I didn’t know where to get that information. He paused and then expressed his dismay that he didn't know either. About two weeks later, a process was in place to communicate with departments at an organizational level. I have always admired Jim's ability to not place blame or make you feel threatened, but to focus on the needs and then make changes that meet those needs. Congratulations, Jim, on your retirement. Thank you for the excellent leadership, guidance, words of wisdom, and kindness you have provide

— David Maughan, Information Technology Services (ITS)

Thanks, Jim, for all the years of laughs. You have a fantastic combination of sense of humor and dynamic leadership. Thank you for all the support you given our team over the years, and I hope your retirement is relaxing yet full of adventure.

— Mark Johns, ITS

JT and I always enjoy talking about the great outdoor possibilities in Utah. We exchange trip ideas and trip reports.

In early 2012, I won a lottery permit to hike the Subway in Zion National Park. As I was rounding out my permit, I had a few open spots left and mentioned it to JT in passing. I told him that if he'd like to come, there was room.

After a day or so to check calendars, JT told me he was in.

In late July, we met up, along with the rest of our group, and descended the Subway. As expected, it was a great trip, full of the beauty and excitement that Utah offered. It went off without a hitch, and we shared a great trip together. I always look back fondly on that memory.

Thanks for the friendship, the mentoring, the guidance, and the engagement in the lives of all those you know and care for. You'll be missed, but congratulations and best wishes to wherever life takes you.

— Jon Messina, ITS Admin 

I'll never forget the meeting when Jim wore a kilt! He brought out the best Scottish in all of us, even the ones without any Scottish heritage. His way of keeping things light and letting us relax in our meetings has been very enjoyable. Good luck with your future, Sir Laddie Jim!

— Becky Wilson, Health Information Management

Thank you for letting me dance a Scottish jig with you! It will be something that I'll always remember. I hope you have a great time on your long motorcycle ride! I wish you the best!

— Aaron Hanson, HIM Records Retention

Jim Turnbull joined the University Hospital IT organization at a time of mourning. We had just lost Pierre Pincetl, our previous CIO, to cancer at a surprisingly young age. As with any leadership transition, there was great concern throughout the ITS organization surrounding who the new CIO would be.

To say that Jim Turnbull brought a level of calm assurance as people got to know him is an understatement. His ever-present smile and sincere concern for everyone was seen immediately. He took the time to meet with each supervisor, manager, and leader in the ITS organization. He listened carefully to the thoughts people had about what was going well and what could improve. He brought a personal touch to meetings, which frequently involved one of his warm chuckles as we all shared something funny together.

Jim Turnbull is an example of a leader who cares deeply. I will never forget the first time I saw JT get teary as he spoke of the hard work our teams had put in to a project. There are few leaders who find the perfect balance between being warm and open while driving for high expectations in the people around them. Jim Turnbull finds that balance every time I interact with him. There is so much more that could be said, but words never suffice. I will simply end by wishing JT the very best as he moves forward to new frontiers. He certainly deserves the very best the future can offer!

— Mike Ekstrom, Communications Infrastructure

I just wanted to wish you the best and thank you for being so wonderful. I have appreciated your leadership and care. It is obvious that the quality of this organization is due to leaders like you. I am particularly grateful for your concern for us as employees. Your attitude of valuing us as peers was felt. Thank you for all the efforts you took to put us first, keep us informed, and to make work enjoyable and rewarding. I think that is what has made U of U Health perform at the top level. You took care of us, so that we've been enabled to take care of our work to the best of our abilities.

I am also grateful for the example you set of reaching out and serving in the community. What a stellar leader and, more importantly, an exceptional man. You will be sorely missed!

— Jenifer Francis, IT Training

Ihave been impressed with Jim's humanity. In so many different circumstances, I have seen how he is genuinely interested in the individual and makes time for meaningful conversation in an attempt to know the person better.

Jim has made a big impact in my life. I appreciate the professional opportunities he gave me.

He has a great sense of humor and doesn't take himself too seriously. Picking a favorite memory is impossible with so many to choose from. But two high on the list are him serenading us with his guitar during a meeting and coming into a staff meeting as Darth Vader.

Jim is a remarkable leader and a kind friend. I wish him all the best in retirement — he will be missed!

— Phillip Kimball, ITS