Biography
Melanie, originally from Margate, FL, moved to Gainesville for her education. After a brief return to Margate, she realized Gainesville was the ideal place to settle down with her husband and start a family. Since moving back in 2006, Melanie has built a successful career at the University of Florida. Her experience as a bank teller provided her with valuable skills in fiscal management and post-award processing. Over the years, she expanded her expertise to include research support, human resources, and center operations. Today, she excels in departmental administration and operations. Melanie is passionate about problem-solving, customer service, and helping staff advance in their careers. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, doing Pilates, visiting Disney, playing puzzle games, and indulging in coffee and pastries.
Responsibilities:
Administrative and Operational Management
• Oversee and coordinate the business and administrative functions of the department.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Organize documents and maintain confidentiality.
• Manage property control, departmental assets, and space allocation.
• Handle facility management tasks such as renovations, relocations, building access, shipping, receiving, general office purchases, and department security.
• Oversee conference room reservations and communal spaces.
• Serve on the emergency planning committee as a backup contact.
Communication and Liaison
• Act as a liaison with various university departments and offices.
• Support marketing and communications efforts of the department.
• Provide important notifications to building occupants.
• Coordinate logistics for departmental events.
• Chair the Events and Intradepartmental Committee (EPIC).
• Participate in committees and task forces.
• Advise on university policies and procedures.
• Serve as a link between management and employees.
Strategic Planning and Process Improvement
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the department’s strategic plan.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Collect and analyze data to inform decision-making.
• Solve complex operational issues.
• Help establish operational goals and objectives.
Staff Management and Development
• Assess and mitigate staff issues.
• Coordinate staff meetings.
• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of new staff and faculty.
• Maintain the faculty and staff handbook.
• Supervise employees.
• Participate in professional development.
• Resolve escalated problems.
• Plan and coordinate department activities.
• Set work priorities.
Awards & UF Service Milestones:
• 2011 UF Years of Service Milestone – 5
• 2016 UF Years of Service Milestone – 10
• 2019 MAE Jan Rockey Outstanding Staff Award
• 2021 UF Years of Service Milestone – 15
• 2022 UF Division Superior Accomplishment Award
• 2025 UF Division Team Collaboration Award – MAE Facilities Team