Celebrated for their outstanding work and exemplary leadership capabilities, six TMG employees were recognized by their colleagues through the TMG Peer-to-Peer Recognition program.

After being nominated by their peers, recipients are assessed by a selection committee, and the awards are given based on their demonstration of one or more of McMaster’s six core leadership capabilities.

The following people were recognized for their exceptional work and leadership at the annual TMG Forum held last week.

Drives Results | Chris Beltrano, Associate Chef, Hospitality Services

 Beltrano is passionate about developing the next generation of culinary leaders and delivers results with integrity at The Buttery dining room.

He enthusiastically implemented a new apprentice program at the university, taught by the management staff. The hands-on approach to teaching prepares apprentices for their red seal certification program.

Beltrano also developed a co-op program with Cathedral High School and St. Charles Adult Teaching school. Making connections with our local community, the program offers students an opportunity to learn new skills, identify potential career paths and future employment opportunities.

Communicates and Collaborates | Sara Morgan, Manager, Marketing Communications

In 2023, McMaster’s marketing department undertook the high-profile project to evolve the university’s “Brighter World” brand. To ensure success, Marketing undertook an unprecedented partner engagement process that involved 200+ McMaster community members.

Morgan spearheaded this highly complex project, demonstrating an exceptional ability to collaborate with our diverse community, creating a safe space for open, honest, and respectful dialogue.

Morgan is a true collaborator who knows how to get things done.

Champions Change & Innovation | Beverley Pindar-Donick, Director of Administration, Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences

 Pindar-Donick is a positive change agent and role model. One of her most significant achievements is her leadership and development of the Anti-Black Racism and Critical Race Education e-learning course.

Pindar-Donick saw a profound gap in training and education for anti-black racism and took action to address it. She secured funding, actively participated in curriculum development, and ensured successful course delivery. An impact that has been felt beyond our campus walls.

She is also a member of the Faculty of Health Sciences EDI and IR Advisory Committee since its inception in 2020 and Vice-Chair of the Anti-Black Racism Task Force, Department of Psychiatry.

Develops People | Andrea Thyret-Kidd, University Secretary and Privacy Officer, University Secretariat

 “From the first interaction I had with Thyret-Kidd, it was clear to me that she was a true leader,” explained her nominator.

Thyret-Kidd brings out the best in people through her “lead by example” leadership style, and her ability to genuinely engage with people.

Maintaining an open-door policy, she always makes time for staff and ensures they have the support they need to be successful. A kind, generous and professional advocate for her team, she regularly makes time to build relationships and genuine connections.

Invests in Relationships | Chantall Van Raay, Manager Strategic Communications, Faculty of Health Sciences

Providing strategic counsel to the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) Nominations and Awards Committee, Van Raay exemplifies a commitment to fostering positive connections with a kind, compassionate and generous approach.

She was truly instrumental in creating a Nominations Network, comprised of committees from across FHS schools and departments that actively engage in identifying nominees and preparing nominations, internally and externally.

In 2023, Van Raay worked on more than 40 high-profile awards, managing the development of numerous important donor engagement reports and best-in-class materials.

An ultimate professional, she continues to collaborate and serve FHS and the university community with distinction.

Takes a Strategic Approach | Trudi Wright, Privacy and Records Management Specialist, Office of the University Secretariat

 Wright has a career of sustained excellence, advocacy and volunteerism in privacy and records management outside of the university.

With a strategic goal to change the privacy culture at McMaster, she is focused on creating a culture where everyone who manages private and confidential information recognizes this is a privilege, acts lawfully and with respect.

In a short time, Wright has refreshed McMaster’s privacy training modules, built strong partnerships, and established working groups to foster and support a culture of privacy and risk management. And she’s just getting started!