Marlene Novotny, executive assistant to UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, is the October Gold U recipient.
Novotny joined UNMC in 2009.
"I had been working at home as a medical transcriptionist, and that wasn’t the right fit for me," she said. "I needed more contact with people."
She laughed. "I have plenty of contact with people now."
When she was looking for a position, she explored organizations that would provide opportunities for growth, as well as organizations with a mission that inspired her. UNMC was a perfect fit, she said.
"I am proud of UNMC’s mission and glad to be part of making the state of Nebraska and entire surrounding community a better place to live because of UNMC’s research, medical care and ability to deal with situations like COVID-19," she said. "Our work to improve the life of Nebraskans and everyone else around the world – I am fortunate to be in an organization that has such a wonderful impact."
"I am pleased to congratulate Marlene on this honor and thank her for all that she does for our campus and for the University of Nebraska," Dr. Gold said. "It is very (VERY) well deserved!"
As the chancellor’s executive assistant, Novotny works daily with Dr. Gold to handle his challenging schedule, and she works with the entire UNMC community to ensure that the chancellor is aware of and responds to campus needs.
"I try to accommodate people," she said. "I don’t want anyone having to go to the chancellor and say, ‘I needed you and she shut me down.’ "
Novotny said she takes pride in helping Dr. Gold stay on schedule, but she credited her colleagues in the chancellor’s office with providing support for her and Dr. Gold.
And they credited her right back.
"Marlene is able to see the big picture, which is helpful in her ability to prioritize work in the chancellor's office," a nominator said. "Her operational style allows her to do the right thing to ensure things get done."
"She works tirelessly to ensure Dr. Gold and his support team operate with a high degree of precision to meet the daily demands of the office and medical center," another colleague said.
In addition, colleagues see Marlene as a problem solver who is unfazed by the many demands of her job. "She is positive, respectful, helpful, practical, trustworthy, reasonable, reliable, dedicated to her responsibilities and down to earth … It is a pleasure to work with Marlene."
Congratulations, Marlene!
Congratulations!!
Way to go Marlene! Thanks for everything you do. Well deserved recognition.
Congratulations, Marlene! You are so deserving of the honor!
Congrats! I always enjoyed working with you at Truhlsen Eye Institute. You certainly deserve this award.
Congrats Marlene! Very well deserved.
Congratulations, Marlene!
Congratulations, Marlene! You have a very busy, complicated job yet you never make me feel like I am bothering you when I need help.
Congratulations, Marlene! VERY well deserved!!
Congratulations, Marlene! So well deserved!
Congratulations on a well deserved and long coming recognition.
Congratulations, Marlene! Well-deserved recognition! You are an amazing source of knowledge and are always willing to share it. I appreciate you and all you do for the entire campus.
Congratulations Marlene! Much deserved for all your hard work and dedication. It's a pleasure to work with you.
Congratulations, Marlene! This honor is so well deserved. Thank you for all that you do!
Congratulations Marlene! Very well deserved, you are amazing, and it is always a pleasure talking with you.
Congrats Marlene!! Well deserved and wonderful to see you recognized for all you do.
Marlene is the BEST! She embodies what Gold U is all about!
Congrats Marlene!! 🙂
Marlene, you epitomize what is great about UNMC. Well-deserved!
Fantastic news and well-deserved. Congratulations, Marlene!
Marlene, you're the best. Congratulations!
Congratulations Marlene – – Very well deserved!!
Congratulations Marlene – Well deserved recognition!
What an honor! Congratulations (and thank you for all you do)!
Congratulations Marlene! Appreciate all that you do at UNMC 🙂