Five exceptional HR professionals have been honored with the inaugural Human Resources Excellence Award for their outstanding achievements and demonstration of the university’s Shared Values.
Nominations were submitted from leaders, colleagues and members of the HR community and five recipients were selected based on the Shared Value tenets. The awards were based on how well recipients have consistently demonstrated the values, principles and behaviors associated with one of the university’s Shared Values.
Award recipients were carefully chosen by a selection committee made up of members external to HR on the merits and strengths of how nominees enhanced the quality of work life in ways that made a significant difference for colleagues or customers. Additionally, they were selected for providing excellence in service and distinguishing themselves with outstanding practices that set a positive example for others.
Recipients were announced during a March 10 all-HR staff meeting. Each staff member will receive a commemorative plaque and be recognized during a private luncheon with Senior Vice President for Talent, Culture and Human Resources, Jeff Risinger.
Congratulations to the 2023 Human Resources Excellence Award recipients!
Excellence and Impact

Senior Director, Human Resources
Wexner Medical Center/OSU Physicians Inc.
Alisa is recognized as an inspirational leader and a champion for the staff that she represents. Her drive to provide best-in-class service to customers and ability to develop relationships across the enterprise, leads to creativity, critical thinking and problem solving to make a positive impact on the organization and its workforce. Alisa is a team player and looks to implement organization-wide solutions that are sustainable and equitable for challenging problems. She has been a key leader and partner in efforts that have resulted in improved employee satisfaction and increased job offer acceptance for the physician practices. In addition, she has influenced better overall wellness, leadership development and culture at OSUP.
Care and Compassion

HR Service Center Manager
Val is known for her unwavering commitment to excellent customer service as well as her focus on employee satisfaction. While prioritizing customer experience, Val is insightful and empathetic in understanding individuals’ needs as well as, how they think and feel. She moves projects and work forward while being incredibly thoughtful, caring and compassionate towards everyone involved. Additionally, Val is respected by her team for enabling them to be passionate about the great work, they do, and supporting work-life balance and career growth opportunities.
Integrity and Respect

HR Business Partner
College of Nursing
With a reputation as a transparent, honest colleague throughout her 18 years working at Ohio State, Melissa is recognized for her commitment to a values-based culture focused on growth opportunities and trust. In difficult conversations and challenging situations, Melissa has a consistent approach of using respectful language, being open to input, assuming positive intention and exhibiting patience. Leaders across the College of Nursing respect Melissa’s empathetic responses, professionalism and helpfulness. Melissa is known for always being true to her word and many colleagues count on her support, advice and compassion.
Diversity and Innovation

HR Business Partner
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

HR Business Partner
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
As co-HR leaders for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), Brandi and Nicole combine their strengths to find innovative and strategic solutions. Brandi and Nicole understand the unique opportunities and challenges within CFAES and Ohio State Extension, which include supporting university employees and responding to the local stakeholders and funders throughout the state. Their approach ensures responsiveness, establishes a broader expertise, connects people throughout the college, and addresses issues proactively. In managing their diverse team, Brandi and Nicole’s unique perspectives are leveraged to create an environment where ideas are heard, discussion is encouraged and everyone’s perspective is valued.