Cathy Tanner’s favorite thing to do is whatever someone needs done.
Tanner, a project administrator in Human Resources, enjoys being available and having the flexibility to help others who need hands-on help and need it now. “Being able to do that gives them a good experience for the day,” she said. “And I really like doing that.”
Those who have seen her in action nominated Tanner for UAB Employee of the Month, and she was selected for February.
“She is dependable, thorough, selfless and she always has a positive spirit,” says Josephine Banks, executive director of Human Resources. “I can always count on Cathy to get the job done.”
Tanner said being a go-to person for whatever needs doing makes each day different, and she likes being someone who helps keep the train moving. “Teamwork makes the dream work,” she said.
Cathy is one of those types of employees you want on your staff or committee because Cathy gets it,” said Toby Siegel, executive director of University Events. “She will complete a project no matter what it takes.”
She brings the same passion to outreach efforts, said Lisa Higginbotham, UAB Benevolent Fund program manager. Tanner has coordinated HR’s effort to sponsor at least one family during the Angel Tree and canned food drive for the past six years and endeavored to provide opportunities for every interested employee to be able to participate.
| Each month, UAB recognizes an outstanding employee for their dedication, hard work and contributions to the university’s success. If you know of a great employee, you can learn how to nominate them for this recognition at uab.edu/humanresources. |
“Cathy developed an Angel Tree where employees could select a gift to purchase in just about any price range from canned goods to a full turkey dinner, socks to winter coats, and books to bicycles,” Higginbotham said. “The families that are sponsored have always been amazed by the generosity of our employees and the wide reaching needs met by the gifts they received. This would not be possible without the level of organization or the attention to detail with which Cathy approaches her work.”
Tanner also has identified herself as a leader by organizing unit and division participation in the Benevolent Fund Habitat House Build, and she coordinated support for UAB’s first year in partnership with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Proof Positive Mentorship program.
“I just really enjoy helping people,” she said.