The Department of Health Policy and Management depends on external funding. It pays for research, supplements salaries and so much more. While the results often get the spotlight, Pitt Health Sciences is shining the light on one person in this department who helps make sure everything is in place for any research to happen.
Grants administrator Ali Pittman was named a Standout Performer by Pitt Health Sciences in their inaugural research staff awards.
“It’s hard to overstate the tremendous contributions that Ali makes to both the research mission and the culture of the department,” said professor and vice chair for research Lindsay Sabik.
The Standout Performer award recognizes people who demonstrate a sustained high level of performance, productivity and excellence in the execution of their job responsibilities and have made a significant impact on the achievement of departmental goals and objectives.
“Ali’s work has been transformative,” said HPM professor and chair Julie Donohue. “In the past three years our department has had a 60% increase in the total number of research awards and a 60% increase in research funding. We would not have had this success without her.”
Pittman started in HPM as an administrative assistant eight years ago, and it didn’t take long for department leaders to take note of her work ethic and wiliness to take on new roles and challenges.
“It was a very busy time when she joined us,” says Tina Micale, HPM director of business administration. “She caught my attention as having potential to go far and has proven it time and time again.”
Following a promotion to research administrator, Pittman continued to impress, especially as the sole administrator for two departments because of pandemic-related staffing issues. “Ali consistently goes above and beyond in her role,” said Sabik. adding that Pittman has taken the lead on projects to make the grant process easier, and more successful for faculty and staff.
“She worked tirelessly over nights and weekends to get things done,” said Donohue. “We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Ali’s dedication in the school. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”
It’s not only her work that makes her such a valued member of the department but her personality too. Even at her busiest colleagues say, she is never too busy to say hello or help colleagues who ask for it.
“Working with her is truly a joy,” says Donohue. “I am very fortunate to have her as a colleague.”
I have worked at the University for 38 years and I can say Ali is my best example of feeling like a proud supervisor,” says Micale. “She has grown into a master at her craft and has become a leader in her community. I couldn’t be prouder of her success.”
-Mike Friend