Staff Spotlight: Patricia Gonzalez.
Collaborative work is key to developing sustainable public health solutions and improving population health outcomes. This weekly series spotlights one SPH staff member who advances public health through collaborations within the field and across sectors.
You became the director of administration in the Department of Community Health Sciences at a critical time—shortly after the unexpected passing of the prior director, Karen Smith, and just prior to the school’s shift to remote work in March. What are the main responsibilities of your role, and what are some of your priorities or goals for the upcoming year?
As the administrative director in CHS, my main responsibility is for the overall management and oversight of operation in my department, working closely with the Chair. I would like to think of the role, as the “Jack of all trades.” I get involved in some level or all levels of reconciling accounts, taking care of personnel matters, training, and ensuring that everyone in the department has everything they need. No one day is the same. The pandemic has created challenges for all of us, especially being away from the office for months now, but I believe there is also a silver lining. I’m looking forward to the upcoming year, and really becoming creative in how we continue to support faculty, staff and students in our school and working with different units in the school to make this year successful.
You previously served as director of People Services for two-and-a-half years. How has collaboration been integral to both roles? Can you describe one or two collaborations that have been most meaningful to you?
I believe that everything I do is in collaboration with someone at the school or the University, both in my current role as administrative director at CHS, and in my previous role in People Services. As the director of people services, I had the opportunity to collaborate with different units within the University and with the school, and build a great network. One of the meaningful collaborations that I have experienced was working with the Staff Senate and ensuring that we can provide the school community with a great series of staff development. It was very rewarding to see folks really enjoy and appreciate the workshops, as they learned, expressed their thoughts, and continued to grow in their role at the school with the knowledge that they gained.
“Patty is impressive in the way she immediately connects with people and can provide insight into personnel issues. She has broad experience with a wide range of topics from human resources, to finances, and as such is our go-to person for so many things. She is the glue that holds us together.”
Richard Saitz, professor and chair of community health sciences