Finance & Administration Celebrates Outstanding Employees

The UAlbany Academic Podium, Carillon and entrance fountain are seen at dusk under a darkening sky. Flags fly on poles on either side of the image.
Photo by Brian Busher

ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 12, 2025) — The University’s Division of Finance & Administration announced its annual employee awards for 2025. The division, led by Vice President Todd Foreman, handles financial management for the University, as well as overseeing facilities, human resources, information technology, police, enterprise risk management, sustainability and auxiliary services including parking, dining, mail and more.

“As a university we strive to recruit and retain the best people to support our students and faculty,” Foreman said. “The individuals receiving these awards are great examples of our many amazing employees.”

Winners of the 2025 F&A awards

Austin Yerden, a senior network engineer at ITS, earned the Community Award, which recognizes an F&A team member who promotes collaboration, engagement and interaction across departments.

Mara Grady, a compliance coordinator in purchasing, and Ngun Thluai, a cleaner in facilities, both earned the First Year Employee Award, which recognizes excellence and engagement of a new employee.

The division’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes team members who create and support an environment of inclusiveness and belonging at UAlbany. Ashley DeSantis, a business analyst at ITS, earned the award for her work on the University’s Electronic Information Technology Accessibility (EITA) initiative. Valerie Goris, an employment eligibility and international tax assistant in Human Resources, earned the award for her work with international students.

Brian Sullivan, manager of network design and engineering at ITS, earned the division’s Peer Award.

Jessica Govel, supervisor of grounds in Facilities, earned F&A’s Sustained Excellence Award.

Hannah DeNike, assistant director for workforce planning in Human Resources, earned the division’s Outstanding Accomplishment Award for her work implementing the University’s new employment search process. The award recognizes an employee who goes above and beyond to successfully meet a challenge and/or support change.