11/19/2020
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Hi MTAS,
Yes, it’s been a few weeks since I last wrote a Mustard. I hope you are doing well and that you and your families are staying healthy and strong as the pandemic continues.
I’d like to focus on some of the really good stuff that has happened lately. Occasionally I receive unsolicited feedback from customers about the great work MTAS employees are doing; and with the writers’ permission, I share the following:
From Jeff Lindsey (LEIC) re: YOLANDA DILLARD
I wanted to reach out and let you know of the tremendous effort that Yolanda Dillard has undertaken as a member of the SME [Subject Matter Expert] Micro-Goal Team.
Her energy and creativity are noteworthy, as is her leadership on the project Team.
Her energy and creativity are noteworthy, as is her leadership on the project Team.
From Mary McDonald (UT’s Controller) re: RALPH CROSS
I am watching Ralph’s presentation, and I am learning a lot about debt that I did not know. I appreciate him presenting this information, because it is a subject I need to have knowledge in and have never seen a session on it.
Thank you for MTAS’s involvement in helping make our AGA [Association of Government Accountants] Professional Training Event a success!
Thank you for MTAS’s involvement in helping make our AGA [Association of Government Accountants] Professional Training Event a success!
From Mark Johnson (City Manager of Alcoa) re: BETSY CUNNINGHAM
Just wanted to let you know that Betsy did an outstanding job training/facilitating our staff retreat yesterday. I’ve known her for years but never really seen her in action until yesterday. We were all blown away by her smooth presentation skills, knowledge and ability to keep everyone engaged and focused on the discussion at hand. You have latched on to a true professional and I along with my staff wish to extend our thanks to you for making her available to assist us in refocusing our efforts on our mission.
Also, I received an indirect note of support from the HR director in Lawrenceburg about STEVE CROSS’s work on an assessment center for a battalion chief. He was impressed with the process and the end report that Steve prepared.
I know that everyone is out there each day doing solid work for our customers, and I appreciate your efforts!
In the last Mustard (dated 10-16-20), I listed the team members who serve on the various strategy teams. In my summary list of names, I mistakenly omitted Frances. Frances – thanks so much for your work on three micro goals under the goal of “Communicate the impact, value, and story of IPS.”
Next, I want to belatedly recognize birthdays and anniversaries. Please join me in celebrating the following team members for passing important milestones in their lives:
Birthdays: Emily (10-28) and Dawn (11-11)
Work Anniversaries: Michelle B. (10-29), Melissa (11-1), Kelley (11-4), and Sherri (11-5). These four ladies have a combined 47 years of service! Way to go!
Also, during the last few weeks, I was remiss in letting everyone know that Michelle Terry resigned effective on November 6. Michelle joined us in 2012, and was the smiling face you encountered as you entered the Nashville office. She won the IPS Horizon award in 2013. In addition, the student (Andrew Hicks) who was working with Chris, Steve C. and Dennis on a firefighter training grant has submitted his resignation for the end of this academic semester. I hope Michelle and Andrew have great successes as they move on to their next great adventures. Another staff change is the addition of Joy Riddle. Joy has replaced Bethany as the Administrative Support Assistant II who receives guests in person and on the phone at 1610 University Avenue. Welcome Joy, we’re glad to have you as part of the team!
Here are a few reminders for you: Mandatory training components can all be found in K@te by clicking here and entering your Net ID after you click on the UT Faculty and Staff button. The deadline is December 4. Thanks to the majority of you who have already checked this item off your to-do list. The second reminder is to input your vaccination record or exemption into the UT system by clicking here for instructions and a link to the verification form. The medical experts tell us that getting vaccinated against the flu is highly important during the pandemic; plus, the UT Board of Trustees is requiring vaccinations. Once the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to the public, we will all be required to receive that vaccination as well (unless you qualify for an exemption). I was encouraged to hear Dr. Lisa Piercey (TN Health Commissioner) say at the governor’s media briefing on Tuesday (11/17), that the state is planning to be ready to distribute the vaccines on December 1st to health care providers and first responders, and that the vaccines should be widely available to the public in the spring of 2021. If you’d like to read the 40 page vaccine distribution plan, you can access it by clicking here.
Finally, last Wednesday was Veteran’s Day. Thank you to all the veterans on the MTAS team, and thanks too to all of the family members of veterans and active duty members who make a lot of sacrifices too. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Stay well,
Margaret
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