LaNeitria Head has spent 25 years building expertise in finance at UAB, but colleagues say it is her willingness to continually learn, lead, and support others that makes her truly stand out. Now a financial officer in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Population Science within the UAB Department of Medicine, Head has been recognized as the third quarter 2026 recipient of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.
Head's career reflects a commitment to growth and adaptability. She began working at UAB as a student employee while pursuing an engineering degree and later held positions across Financial Affairs, including accounting, purchasing, and Oracle training. After earning her MBA, she spent more than a decade training university employees in financial systems before joining the division, where her decades of experience and commitment to continuous learning have made her a trusted resource for its faculty and staff.
Head was nominated by colleagues who praised her collaborative spirit, financial expertise, and willingness to support others. While known for working quietly behind the scenes, nominators said she has become an indispensable resource within the division, helping faculty and staff navigate increasingly complex financial and research administration processes.
One of the clearest examples of that impact has been her leadership in reinvigorating the division's clinical trials portfolio.
“As our clinical trial portfolio expanded, LaNeitria stepped forward to lead its increasingly complex financial and contractual processes,” explained Dalton Norwood, M.D., assistant professor. “With limited formal mentorship, she independently developed expertise in clinical research regulations, contract requirements, budgeting, and institutional processes, responsibilities that were not originally central to her position. Rather than waiting for direction, she sought answers, reviewed applicable guidance, asked thoughtful questions, and built the knowledge necessary to support our investigators and research teams effectively.”
Head said developing expertise in clinical trial administration became one of her proudest professional accomplishments. As the division sought additional funding opportunities amid a challenging research environment, clinical trials emerged as an important avenue for growth.
“I'd heard of clinical trials, but I'd never done one and never done a budget,” Head said. “I had to start from scratch, trying to find contacts to help me and guide me through that process.” Through that effort, she helped the division add eight new clinical trials over a period of nine months, supporting new opportunities for research funding and growth.
Head said one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is partnering with investigators to help them secure and manage funding for their research while ensuring projects remain financially on track. She also credits her colleagues as a major source of motivation.
“I love working with my coworkers in the business office,” Head said. “I think we have a really great team, and we're always trying to learn as much as we can about grant management.”
One of those coworkers is Mischell Massey, program director III.
“Ms. LaNeitria Head fosters strong working relationships within the financial team and is widely regarded as a dependable source of support,” Massey said. “Her ability to analyze financial concerns and collaboratively develop practical solutions makes her an invaluable asset to the division.”
Earlier this year, Head stepped into a leadership role following staffing changes within the division while simultaneously helping colleagues adapt to the university's new myUABResearch platform. According to nominators, she became the division's primary resource for the system, working with colleagues across campus to ensure research applications and processes continued to move forward smoothly.
“Without being asked or any hesitation, LaNeitria stepped up and took the lead of our financial team at a very critical time,” said Anitra Baylor, division administrator. Baylor noted that Head now serves as a trusted source of leadership and guidance for her colleagues.
Head's impact extends beyond technical expertise. Colleagues say her willingness to mentor others and share knowledge has strengthened the division's financial operations and fostered a culture of teamwork.
“She consistently puts the needs of the team first, stepping in wherever she is needed and fostering an environment where colleagues feel comfortable seeking assistance,” said Adrian Peralta, MBA, human resources partner generalist. “Her kindness, professionalism, and willingness to share her knowledge have earned the trust and respect of those she works with and have strengthened the overall effectiveness of our division.”
For those who nominated her, Head's recognition reflects not only her expertise and professionalism but also the positive influence she has on those around her.
“I am so grateful to have LaNeitria as part of our team and appreciate the knowledge, leadership, and skills she brings to our division,” Baylor said. “Regardless of securing this award, she is definitely a STAR in our division.”
For Head, the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the collaborative environment she values.
“Working with the PIs, helping support their research, and working alongside such a strong team is what I enjoy most,” Head said.
Do you know someone like LaNeitria who makes our department shine? Nominate them for the DOM STAR Award.