People First Leadership
Executive Sponsor
Nichole Lakic, MEd, CRA
Executive Administrator
Departments of Medicine/Dermatology/Family Medicine
radulovichn@upmc.edu
Project Manager
Dylan Hamilton
Project Manager
People First
dyh25@pitt.edu
Steering Committee
Nichole DeGasperi, MHS
Executive Administrator
Department of Medicine, Renal Electrolyte Division
rossnm@upmc.edu
Learn more about Nichole
My name is Nichole DeGasperi and I am the Executive Administrator for UPP Rheumatology, Nephrology, and Transplant Nephrology. I oversee all the clinical and research operations for my respective divisions, and am passionate about transforming patient care.
I joined people first because I wanted to be a part of change that gave every employee a voice in this large organization, and also help to be a mentor for staff as I was fortunate enough to have many great mentors in my career.
Matthew Freidhoff
Project Manager II
Department of Medicine
mjf49@pitt.edu
Learn more about Matt
My name is Matt Freidhoff and I am a Project Manager for the Department of Medicine in the Chairs Office. I oversee projects for the Department, including Research Day and Update in Internal Medicine.
I joined People First to become more involved in the Department and gain additional experience. Getting involved with People First has been an amazing opportunity to meet others and gain additional insight into leadership and mentorship.
Vicki Cabe
Director of Administration
Department of Medicine
gamblev@pitt.edu
Learn more about Vicki
Vicki Cabe, Director of Administration, Chair’s Office
My role is part of Chair leadership for the Department of Medicine and have oversight of Administrative Operations in the Chair’s Office and Faculty and Employee Administrative Operations (Faculty & Staff Affairs).
I currently Co-Chair the Career Pathing and Mentorship Team of People First. I joined People First as Career Pathing and Mentorship is a personal and professional passion of mine. I enjoy helping others grow their careers and like to focus on ways to give everyone the tools they need to do so. I find it fulfilling to be a mentor to others and share my career experiences with them and to provide different perspectives on how to approach each situation they may endeavor. Most of all, I joined to make a difference and help others to get where they want to be.
Marcy Gelman, MS, MPH
Administrative Director, Clinical & Translational Research
Department of Medicine
gelmanms@upmc.edu
Learn more about Marcy
Marcy Gelman, RN, MSN, CRNP, MPH joined UPMC/PITT 2 years ago as the Admin Director of Clinical and Translational Research for the DOM. In her role, she looks across UPMC and PITT to coordinate and systematically improved operations and efficiencies across all DOM clinical research activities.
I wanted to join PF as I believe that everything we say we are and do, our mission and our vision are about the people we work with and the community we work for. People should always be our focus and our North Star. I wanted to focus on onboarding as I believe you never have a second change to make a first impression but also feel that this sentiment must be carried through for the full course of our relationship with any staff member. Onboarding is not a point in time, it is a continuum.
Dylan Hamilton - Interim Chair
Project Manager
Department of Medicine, People First
dyh25@pitt.edu
Nancy Jones, MSOL, BSN, RN-BC
Director of Operations, Outpatient Geriatrics
Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine
jonesn3@upmc.edu
Learn more about Nan
Nan Jones, Director of Operations for the Division of Geriatric Medicine. In my role I have responsibility for 2 outpatient clinics, the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) which works to prevent delirium in hospitalized older adults and the APP’s working in some of our nursing facilities.
During my 30+ years in healthcare I have frequently observed that onboarding is a challenge in all the organizations in which I have worked. I wanted to be a part of making sure that new employees were welcomed and provided with the support and tools to be successful in their new roles. We have created some effective tools that cross the tripartite mission and the creativity of the team is what keeps me motivated.
Wendy Romeo, MS
Executive Administrator
Department of Medicine, Divisions of Geriatric Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
romeowm@upmc.edu
Learn more about Wendy
Wendy M. Romeo, M.S. Executive Administrator for the Division of Geriatric Medicine and the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. In my role, I partner with the Division Chief to lead each division in meeting our missions of providing world class clinical care, developing cutting edge research, training the next generation of physicians, and growing thoughtful strategic thinking leaders able to implement transformational change in this everchanging world of health care and health science.
People are at the core of our success. When we empower people with a voice and the opportunity to lead, no matter their position or title, transformational change can occur, and our organizations are stronger. My greatest satisfaction comes from helping others. Whether it is those in need in our communities or a team member developing into a confident leader that inspires others to be their best. That is why I choose to be a part of the People First movement.
Tara Stakich
Senior Clinical Program Manager
tss54@pitt.edu
Learn more about Tara
My Name is Tara Stakich. I serve as the Senior Clinical Program Manager for the Division of Geriatric Medicine within the Department of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh supporting Geriatric Cardiology research.
As a registered nurse, I prioritize people first and foremost. When the opportunity to join the People First movement was presented, I enthusiastically joined! My collaboration on both the People First Steering Committee as well as a Co-Leader of the Organizational Culture team is aimed to enhance the priority of our people and their experience of our organizations across the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC entity.