Value Champions
What is a Value Champion
The Value Champions program provides the opportunity to recognize and reward colleagues who live Our Core Values every day in the DeGroote School of Business The Value Champions program was introduced in 2024 with the primary focus of celebrating employees who exemplify the values at the heart of DeGroote.
Collaboration. Community. Inclusivity. Innovation. Integrity.
Every individual among us is a potential Value Champion, actively breathing life into these guiding principles. The Value Champion initiative serves as our platform to celebrate one another’s achievements and ensure our employees are acknowledged for wholeheartedly embracing these values.
2024 Staff Recipients
Leanne Halford
Budget & Financial Analyst
Leanne is the point person for finance support to DSB’s research projects. She has spent countless hours bringing some of these new initiatives to reality by opening, closing, reviewing and correcting many re-search projects, ensuring that our school’s research endeavors con-tinue to level up and create impact.
Carol Gerritsen
Executive Officer
Carol played an integral role in bringing DeGroote’s years-long faculty hiring plan into action, coordinating the new DSB faculty onboarding sessions. She consistently helps faculty feel welcomed, informed and connected from the start of their time at DeGroote and McMaster.
Kerry-Anne Donovan
Graduate Officer Staff
Kerry-Ann has been a pillar within the DeGroote MBA community for many years. She has always been the first face that new students see during onboarding and International Welcome Week, making them feel at home. This year, she extended her reach with new responsibilities through the admissions process and the organizing and booking of Co-op inter-views. She rose to the challenge with her trademark kindness and empathy.
Breanne Russell
Career Development & Relationship Manager
Breanne has been a champion on the CPD team for EDI initiatives, including developing a strong relationship with Lime Connect, an external non-profit supporting students with all types of disabilities. She spear-headed an initiative to provide staff training directly from Lime Con-nect, ensuring the CPD team is prepared to promote this valuable re-source to students.
Amy Pachai
Educational Developer
Amy has been a key driving force behind the planning and innovation of our inaugural GRIT Week, displaying unwavering commitment and dedication. She is described as consistent, solutions-focused, and in-novative, with strong leadership skills.
Darcy Oberding
Instructional Assistant
Darcy has also been nominated for his contributions to GRIT Week. His hard work and calm demeanor made all the difference, and he ap-proached the initiative with grace and confidence despite it being his first time managing a project of this scale. Through his ability to dele-gate tasks, empower team members, and pay attention to all the de-tails, he boosted morale and collaboration across the board.
Angie Green
Manager, Finance
Angie spends countless hours analyzing the details within our financial records and always leads with integrity. Her financial expertise informs many of the important decisions we make at DeGroote, and we are so appreciative of her attention to detail and dedication to ensuring our data is accurate.
Nominate a Value Champion
Inspired by a colleague who embodies the values that are at the heart of DeGroote?
Submit your nomination here!
Nominations will be accepted from November 1 – October 31