Three UTMB employees were chosen as inaugural recipients of the Regents’ Outstanding Employee Award.
Chad Connally, nursing program manager, Emergency Services Administration;
Mike Mastrangelo, program director, Institutional Preparedness—Facilities Risk Management; and
Scott Woodby, nurse clinician V, MICU/CCU, received the prestigious award in recognition of their outstanding performance, innovation, enthusiasm and dedication in their jobs.
The three winners were among 34 UTMB nominees for the award, which was created by The University of Texas System Board of Regents. Nominees had to be full-time, benefits-eligible, non-faculty employees, and selection was based on the impact the employee has made in his or her individual job and how this impact has helped improve the institution. Each nomination included supporting letters from departmental peers, supervisors and colleagues outside of the nominee’s department.
Described in support letters as a “silent hero,”
Connally—who is responsible for managing UTMB’s Biocontainment Unit—has worked for the last four years to develop policies and procedures, provide training and drills, and play an integral role in the planning and design aspect of the clinical unit. His expertise “is essential to our campus as well as a unique resource for the state,” as UTMB has been designated as one of nine Regional Ebola Treatment Centers by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Mastrangelo was recently honored with the Disaster Recovery Institute International’s Program Leader of the Year Award for his leadership role in developing UTMB’s emergency preparedness program, and, in particular, for his efforts during Hurricane Harvey—when he worked around the clock to support UTMB’s Command Center and UTMB’s response.
Woodby was described by others as an “exceptional nurse” who is “often sought out for his expertise” in adult intensive care units. As an Evidence Based Practice Champion, Woodby has participated in various EBP projects both directly and as a mentor, and has received numerous awards for his efforts to improve patient care and safety.
“The caliber of our winners and nominees reflected the excellence found throughout our great institution,” said UTMB President David Callender. “We look forward to submitting equally outstanding nominees in future years.”
Thirty awards were given out this year across the 14 UT System institutions and the UT System Administration. The winners will receive a Chancellor’s challenge coin, a certificate, a $10,000 monetary award and an invitation to a luncheon ceremony in Austin. For more information about UTMB’s winners and their achievements, visit
www.utmb.edu/eac.