Pathology Relocation and Renovation Project

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Christine Baker 

What is your role?
I’m the project manager within Pathology for the PRR Project.

What does that mean?
I facilitate and orchestrate all of the project tasks for the Pathology Department related to planning, design, and activation, and work closely with our partners in Facilities, on campus, and in the design team to ensure we are on track, within budget, and within the project scope.

Tell us a little about your background
I’ve been a project manager or a people manager for over 20 years. For about half of that time, I managed projects within the Air Force, both overseas and stateside. The other half of my career has been managing projects here at UMHS. Over the last 7-8years, I have been increasingly interested in design projects, specifically around the methodology of the best way to apply lean design tools.

Inspirations
Beautiful space, my kids and my husband

Indulgences
Daily yoga, strong coffee and long walks outside


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Kathy Derkowski

What is your role?

I am the Logistics Coordinator for the PRR Project.

What does that mean?
My responsibility is to lead the Pathology team’s effort for Supply Management and Lean initiatives. I work with the team to implement lean supply strategies. These strategies include replenishment, storage, and visual management. I also work with the team to initiate lean strategies throughout the department. This includes working with groups to improve their workspace as well as reviewing workflow strategies to improve efficiency within individual labs as well as across labs.

Tell us a little about your background

I earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Logistics from Central Michigan University and a Masters of Management from Walsh College.  I have spent 20 years in the automotive industry specializing in in-bound freight planning, work station optimization, and Lean implementation.  I was a member of GM Lansing Grand River’s start-up team, responsible for developing both inbound and outbound freight scheduling.  I enjoy working with teams to optimize their workflow, improve efficiency, and eliminate waste.

Inspirations

Family, A Good Book, The Great Outdoors, Asking Lots of Questions and Learning New Things


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Regina Ferguson

What is your role?
I coordinate the Security, Telephone, and move logistics for the project, along with being the Facilities Manager for the maintenance and redesign and relocation of Clinical and Research Pathology labs across the NCRC, Michigan Medicine, and Medical School campuses.

What does that mean?
I’m the “People Mover”, planning and overseeing all aspects of the Faculty and Staff moves including Telecommunications, Security, Pre and Post moves as it relates to the project.

Tell us a little about your background
I’ve been involved in Facilities Management on North Campus for twelve plus years, beginning with School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD); University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) including the design and construction and opening of Mcity in July 2015. In 2017, I had the opportunity to join the Pathology Department and became an active member of the PRR, Phase I move to NCRC while supporting the facilities operations and renovations in the Pathology Department. Prior to moving to Michigan, I worked in education, the federal government, and private industry, in Australia and within the continental United States. At the university I’ve been an active member of the Facilities Users Network (FUN) group for the past ten years, working with colleagues across campus.

Inspirations
My family, friends and sandy beaches

Indulgences
Travel, Chocolate, flavored coffee, tennis and cardio workouts with friends


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Tawanesha Jones-Williams (TJ)

What is your role?
I'm the UM Architecture, Engineering, & Construction (AEC) Construction Manager.

What does that mean?
I administer the contracts of the architect, construction manager, and commissioner during the construction phase of the project to keep the project within scope, on schedule, and within budget. I also communicate with the code officials at both the State and University level to obtain inspections, approvals, and occupancy for turnover to the Pathology department for activation and move-in.

Tell us a little about your background
Over 30 years of experience in the architectural industry focusing on architectural design, design management, and construction management. The past 14 years have been at UM with AEC, primarily on MM Projects (including design and construction on Children & Women's Hospital). Prior to joining UM, I worked at the Detroit architecture and engineering firm, Albert Kahn Associates, designing and managing a wide array of projects throughout the United States and Canada focusing on special projects and lean design. I started at Kahn as an Architecture Intern working my way through the ranks as a Project Manager and Associate of the firm. I am also an Adjunct Professor at Lawrence Technological University in the Construction Management program.

Inspirations
My family (husband and sons) and students

Indulgences
Coffee, gardening, and traveling


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Duane Newton, PhD

What is your role?
I’m the Clinical Activation Director for the Project

What does this mean?
I will serve as a liaison between the project management team (including architects, contractors, facilities) and the laboratories impacted by the PRR project. I will work closely with the laboratory leadership, operations managers and move captains to support coordination of the activation of the new laboratories, as well as facilitate communication between the laboratories and project team to help ensure a successful transition to our new space.

Tell us a little about your background
I joined the Department in 2002 as a faculty member in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory.  I am currently the Director of that lab and also serve as the Associate Director of Clinical Pathology.  In these roles, I have had numerous opportunities to work with faculty and staff throughout the Department to solve problems of common interest and work to maximize the quality of care we deliver to our patients.  I have really enjoyed expanding these interactions as part of my work on the PRR Project, and I am really excited about the new opportunities I will have to work with everyone in my role with the Project Team.

Inspirations
My kids are amazing…they are so talented and push me to be a better father and person


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Kate Stahl

What is your role?
Facilities Activation Manager

What does that mean?
I will happily assist Pathology in the process of scheduling owner furnished equipment, furniture, signage, Clinical Engineering equipment, Material Services, telecomm cabling and activations, phone and computer moves, and installations.

Tell us a little about your background
Kate’s professional experience is comprised of over 20 years as an interior designer, primarily focused on higher education and healthcare design. She spent her early years as an intern with the University of Michigan Housing Design group, worked as a designer for Eastern Michigan University, and additionally worked as a part-time adjunct faculty for a local community college in their interior design program. Her career came full circle when she returned to the University of Michigan and joined the hospital Interior Design team. She later teamed up with the University of Michigan FPD Lean Design Team, serving as the lead interior designer for the PRR Project Phase 1. Most recently, Kate joined the University of Michigan FPD Activation Team, and now practices Facilities Activation Management for the hospital.

Inspirations
I am inspired by kind people, old houses, serendipity, and original ideas. I am also inspired by my three children who motivate me to be a better person each day.

Indulgences
My rare indulgences include vacationing abroad, peace and quiet, and reading a good book; all three at once would be the ultimate indulgence.