The University of New Mexico Staff Council honored Kristin Gates and Francie Cordova as the recipients of the 2017 Outstanding Supervisor Award.

Over 50 supervisors were nominated from across campus and the winners were chosen by the Staff Council Outstanding Supervisor Award Committee. Staff Council President Danelle Callan opened the ceremony and then guest speaker, Anna Trillo from the Dean of Students office, spoke about how supervisors strive to uplift their staff and give them opportunities to succeed.

In 2015, in collaboration with then-President Robert G. Frank, Provost Chaouki Abdallah and Chancellor Paul Roth, the Staff Council signed an MOU to create the Outstanding Supervisor Award. It is also through partnership with UNM Human Resources that the council is able to recognize supervisors who create work environments that facilitate work-life balance, professional development and effective leadership in support of the values and mission of the University.

Gates and Cordova were chosen for this award for their incredible leadership abilities. Gates inspires sound ethical behavior and demonstrates the University Values through her own work habits, practices, and behaviors. She has instilled in her staff the School of Medicine’s philosophy of “We care about the people I care about, and we care about the people that no one cares about,” while promoting healthy life/work balance in a positive and motivating way.

Cordova also encourages a healthy life/work balance while exemplifying compassion and professionalism in daily operations. She instills trust and confidence in her employees while maintaining a high standard of accountability and results.

Both of these well-deserved award winners are known for instigating teamwork, professionalism and integrity.

Gates and Cordova were honored with a plaque, and a $1,000 cash award.