Jess Sikora, executive assistant to the dean
Jess Sikora recently celebrated 20 years at Pitt. She began her career at the University in 2004 at the Epidemiology Data Center. Over the years, she took on various roles across campus, including positions at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and Pitt’s School of Business. In 2022, her journey came full circle when she returned to Pitt Public Health as the executive assistant to Dean Maureen Lichtveld.
Looking back over the past twenty years, Sikora says she’s especially proud of the University’s resilience. She highlighted the University’s response to the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime example.
“I think Pitt did a great job,” she says. “The way we adapted and supported each other really showed how strong this community is. I’m proud to say I work at Pitt. It’s a place I truly believe in.”
Also celebrating milestones:
40 years - Laurie Ney Silfies, Epidemiology
30 years - Tamara Haller, Epidemiology
20 years - Michelle E. Utz-Kiley, Epidemiology; Stefanie P. Junker, Health Policy & Management; Peggy Kernan, Office of the Dean
Jennifer Palaski, associate dean for finance and administration
In May 2025, Jennifer Palaski completed the inaugural Emerging Leaders @ Pitt program, describing it as a valuable and rewarding experience. Over the course of eight months, participants in the program met monthly, attended sessions with guest speakers, visited campus sites such as the Big Idea Center and collaborated on team projects. This pilot program aims to provide recommendations for developing and retaining future emerging leaders, while fostering relationship-building across the entire university.
Staff Council Welcomes 2025–2027 Officers
Pitt Public Health is proud to be represented by two newly elected Staff Council officers: Marcie Johnson-Spratt, director of special projects, as the council’s inaugural vice president for membership, and Caitlin McCullough, web content manager, as its parliamentarian.