Pitt Public Health recently presented the inaugural Staff Awards, honoring exceptional effort and dedication through teamwork, leadership, innovation and contribution to school, University and community culture. The awards were presented on August 5 at the annual Staff Recognition Picnic, preceded this year by a ceremony that also recognized staff who reached milestone service anniversaries in the last fiscal year. The event also celebrated the hard work of the entirety of the school’s staff.
Awards were presented to David Arndt, IT manager and chair of the Staff Committee, Mike Friend, HPM communications specialist in the Department of Health Policy and Management (HPM), Emma Mairson, HPM data analyst, and Adam Orbell, IT manager in the Dean’s Office and the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health.
"I couldn’t be happier to present these awards and celebrate all of you, as the staff really are the backbone of all that we do,” said Dean Lichtveld during the event. Arndt described the colleagues he’s worked with over his decades at the school as always helpful, always friendly, and consistently wanting to do their best work. “I am here today to share with you in the warmth and glory and the wonderfulness of our public health staff. The Dean likes to say that it’s the staff that get things done and I can tell you that’s absolutely true,” he said. “Staff are here every day, working out the kinks of the detailed lives of academia.”
Dean Lichtveld tasked the school’s Staff Committee with creating the award a few years ago, shortly after the committee itself was created. Twenty-four staff members were nominated by both staff and faculty throughout the school. Exceptional things were said in each nomination, showcasing the breadth of impactful work being done in each department and unit at the school. Nominators spoke of professionalism, leadership and strategy from colleagues that are collaborative, supportive and work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the School of Public Health.
“That was tougher than I thought it would be,” shared Nancy Linderman, IDM representative on the Staff Committee and 2025 review panel volunteer about the rewarding but challenging task of evaluating the high-praise of colleagues’ dedicated work. “We have a great staff! I loved getting to know them through this format,” Linderman concluded.
“There is no difference in impact between faculty and staff. Without the staff, we are not a school. Without the faculty, we are not a school. We have to do this together,” said Lichtveld. “Thank you so much for all you do for the school, for the students, for the faculty and for each other.”
The Staff Committee thanks those that submitted nominations and congratulates those that were nominated. A special thank you as well to all eleven review panel volunteers.
-Caitlin McCullough
Excerpts from Awardee Nominations
David Arndt
This award acknowledges David’s work as the first chair of the first staff committee and all of the thoughtful effort that he puts into that volunteer role. David has made a lasting, positive impact on the school through his dedicated leadership of the staff committee, transforming the committee into a forum for communication, advocacy, and professional development, helping ensure that the voices of staff are heard and valued. By organizing regular meetings and making staff feedback easy to submit, David creates inclusive spaces for staff to share concerns, celebrate achievements, and collaborate on solutions. His approachable and respectful leadership style inspires trust and participation, empowering staff to take an active role in shaping their workplace environment.
Mike Friend 
Mike helps build a sense of community in the department and makes everyone feel like they are worth celebrating. He is always available and supportive to faculty, staff and students. His positive attitude, professional and cordial demeanor, and commitment to the department’s mission are especially noteworthy. Mike takes initiative, inspires and motivates others, and provides guidance or mentorship to colleagues and students, regardless of formal leadership status. Mike is dedicated to students and gets to know each of them individually. He is a dedicated employee and ultimate team player who knows how to effectively get things done. He is friendly, helpful, and resourceful. He is willing to teach others and help others at the drop of a hat when they need it, especially when it comes to technology.
Emma Mairson 
Emma is a true team player who brings both leadership and collaboration to the table. She steps up to lead when needed, keeping projects on track, but she’s also really good at making space for others to contribute. Emma’s work reminds us that one needn’t have a leadership title to demonstrate leadership competencies. We have observed that Emma consistently demonstrates leadership through thoughtful actions. She consistently goes out of her way to support those around her. As a specific example, she is so considerate when it comes to ensuring international colleagues feel welcomed, safe, and included in the team. Emma recognizes that diverse backgrounds in terms of training and experience can be a strength rather than a barrier.
Adam Orbell
His affable way and positive attitude is infectious – if I am struggling with my day, interacting with Adam can turn my attitude around. Others wonder if Adam ever sleeps because he is completing tasks morning, noon and evenings. At home or within the walls of the School of Public Health, Adam is working to make computing and related tasks easier for all users. When Adam answers the IT doorbell, he is smiling and friendly and ready to solve your computer issue… he wants you satisfied with your device and working again. Also, not-worthy is his dedication to all levels of personnel- from the dean to every staff member, - not a one person has not relied on Adam to resolve an issue.
Milestone Service Anniversaries
40 Years
- Laurie Silfies, Epidemiology
30 Years
- Tamara Haller, Epidemiology
20 Years
- Stefanie Junker, Health Policy and Management
- Jessica Sikora, Office of the Dean
- Peggy Kernan, Health Policy and Management
- Michelle Utz-Kiley, Epidemiology
10 Years
- Allison Koller, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Stephen Kralik, Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
- Michael Lann, Biostatistics and Health Data Science
- Joseph Shadwick, Office of the Dean
- Valerie Weinzierl, Epidemiology
- Jennifer Wolsk, Epidemiology
5 Years
- Andrea Casas, Epidemiology
- Todd Collins, Office of the Dean
- Lucie Contamin, Public Health Dynamics Lab
- Elana DiPietro, Office of the Dean
- Molly Eggleston, Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
- Benjamin Gibbons, Epidemiology
- Mary Ostach, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Baoli Qian, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Lingshu Xue, Health Policy and Management