The strategy team works collaboratively across campus in support of NEOMED’s mission to harness diversity, innovation and collaboration to create transformative leaders and improve health through education, discovery and service. Meet the team moving forward the areas of strategic planning, operational excellence and launching new ventures such as NEOMED Executive Education and the many objectives of the UH-NEOMED affiliation.
Lacey Madison, Vice President for Strategy and Transformation – Lacey joined NEOMED in 2016 as director of operations with Family and Community Medicine before becoming the chief strategy officer. In her current role, Lacey oversees the execution of the strategic plan, strategic partnerships; and promotes a culture of operational excellence across the organization. Lacey is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. She enjoys cooking and spending time with her big, crazy family!
Samantha Bliss, Director of Strategy and Transformation – As a certified project management professional, Sam ensures the execution of strategic plan initiatives, communications and operations. She also provides high-level project management related to key initiatives including the UH-NEOMED affiliation agreement. Sam joined NEOMED three years ago. She enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and pets.
Jordan Cinderich, Director of Operational Excellence – Jordan oversees operational excellence with NEOMED’s Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program and manages professional education initiatives under the new NEOMED Executive Education. Jordan joined NEOMED in 2019 in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Jordan has more than a Black Belt in LSS; he also has a second-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, which he practiced for 14 years before entering graduate school.
Calvin Muller, Strategic Initiatives Analyst – Calvin joined NEOMED in November 2023. He loves database management and plays a critical part in the implementation and execution of strategic plan initiatives. Calvin is a graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He enjoys woodworking, hiking and playing the guitar!
Ashley Stitzel, Business Manager, Executive Education – Ashley has been working at NEOMED for a year and a half. In this new position, she provides learner and faculty support, communication, logistics and budget assessment to ensure the implementation and ongoing success of Executive Education programming at NEOMED. Ashley’s favorites include the beach, traveling, hiking and reading. She enjoys spending time with her husband and twin boys, watching them play soccer!
Ken Greaver, Project Manager – Ken is also a new face at the University, joining the team in January. Ken provides project management for objectives within the UH-NEOMED affiliation. He enjoys golfing, coaching basketball, and traveling.
Liz Backus, Operational Excellence Analyst – The newest member of the strategy team is Liz, who started in February. Liz will serve as a University instructor, mentor, trainer and consultant expert in the application of NEOMED’s Lean Six Sigma program. She is a graduate of Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Liz previously was a middle school instructor in Strongsville, Westerville and Logan-Hocking City School districts. Liz is pursuing her Ed.D. in Interprofessional Studies from Kent State University focusing on Leadership in Educational Contexts.
Janet Coon, Special Assistant to the President and Secretary, Board of Trustees – Janet works with the strategy team on moving the University Strategic Plan to completion. She serves on the Strategic Initiative Funding Committee, the Bitonte College of Dentistry Accreditation Committee and the implementation of the Customer Service Model. Janet also assists with the UH-NEOMED Faculty and Student Scholars. When Janet is not at NEOMED, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.
Heather McColloch, Administrative Specialist – Heather joined the University in 2022 as the administrative specialist in the Office of the President. She provides executive-level support to three members of senior management and the strategy team. Heather also assists with driving the Strategic Plan Communication Plan forward, ensuring expectations, goals and benchmarks are achieved. Heather loves watching her son play sports and is an expert travel planner.
Keep an eye out in the Pulse for an invitation to the President’s Office and Strategy Suite open house in the spring. We would love for you to stop up and visit!
-- Submitted by Heather McColloch, Office of the President, hmccolloch@neomed.edu