Dr. Peter J. Deckers Employee Appreciation Award
The Dr. Peter J. Deckers Employee Appreciation Award recognizes one outstanding employee, annually, who consistently demonstrates commitment and passion, strong leadership, exemplary professional skills and commendable personal attributes all in support of the UConn Health mission. This is among the highest honors awarded to UConn Health employees.
2024 Honorees and Celebration
Congratulations to the 2024 Dr. Deckers Award nominees. This prestigious event celebrates excellence in various fields within our community, recognizing the outstanding achievements of 8 nominees who were selected for their remarkable contributions to UConn Health, embodying the spirit of Dr. Deckers and his commitment to excellence.
Congratulations to Allyson Moffo, administrative director for Surgery Administration and Eileen Scully, BSN RN, nursing director for the Emergency Room Unit, our 2024 Dr. Peter J. Deckers Employee Appreciation Award winners. For the first time in the award's 16-year history, we celebrate a tie, honoring the exceptional contributions of both recipients.
PETER J. DECKERS, M.D.
The UConn Health Employee Appreciation Award is named in honor of Peter J. Deckers, M.D., Executive Director of Perioperative Services, Dean Emeritus and former Executive Vice President for Health Affairs
Tamara Cardoso
Performance Improvement Specialist
Office of Patient Experience
Nominated by April Mani and Katelyn Puglisi
Desiree Mazzetta
Clinical Radiology Supervisor
Imaging Services Administration
Nominated by Kristen Gabriel
Ron Salonia
Clinical Perfusionist
Perfusion Services
Nominated by David Rosinski
Greg Sznaj
Senior Director - Budget
Budget and Data Analytics
Nominated by Anne Horbatuck, RN, BSN, MBA
Lorri Goldsmith
Business Services Manager
Cell Biology
Nominated by Laurinda Jaffe, PhD
Allyson Moffo
Administrative Director
Surgery Administration
Nominated by Ketan Bulsara, MD, MBA
and Peter Albertsen, MD
Eileen Scully, BSN, RN
Nurse Manager
Emergency Department
Nominated by Rob Fuller, MD
Kathy Updike
Technical Analyst
IT Enterprise Technology
Nominated by Alka Sharma and
Mike Cummings
PAST RECIPIENTS
2023: Sarah Lochiavo
Supportive Care, Palliative Care and Hospice Services
2022: Genice Nelson, DNP, MSN, APRN,
Behavioral Health
2021: Nancy DuPont, RN, BSN, MPH, CIC
Epidemiology
2020: Michelle DeLayo, DNP
Patient Safety, Quality and Advance Practice
2019: Jim Behme
Simulation Center
2018: Jeff Boyko
Logistics Management
2017: Kirsten Shea
Correctional Managed Health Care
2016: Lakeesha Brown
Human Resources
2015: Susan Garthwait
UConn John Dempsey Hospital
2014: Kathleen Coyne
UConn John Dempsey Hospital
2013: Gail Johnson
Correctional Managed Health Care
2012: Wendy Martinson, RN
Quality Assurance
2011: Bob Norris
Information Technology
2010: Caryl Ryan, RN
Nursing
2009: Robyn J. Wahl
Pharmacy
Nomination Period and Process
Once a year, UConn Health invites managers to submit nominations aimed at recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of our workforce. This inclusive initiative encourages submissions from across the organization, fostering a diverse and comprehensive acknowledgment of excellence. Nominations, reflecting the remarkable work of peers, undergo a thorough review by senior leadership. Subsequently, a finalist is selected from each division, advancing to the final selection phase.
Eligibility
Any UConn Health employee who consistently demonstrates the stated criteria is eligible. Prior award nominees are eligible for nomination. Previous award recipients are not eligible to receive the award.
Ceremony
The Dr. Peter J. Deckers Award is celebrated annually at a ceremony.
Award
Through the generosity of Dr. Deckers via the UConn Foundation, the awardee receives four lower field-level box seat tickets to a Red Sox game and a framed award certificate.