Brett Ruiz earns UIC Janice Watkins Award for Distinguished Civil Service
Brett Ruiz earns UIC Janice Watkins Award for Distinguished Civil Service Heading link
Brett Ruiz, director of human resources at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, received the Janice Watkins Award for Distinguished Civil Service during the annual UIC Employee Recognition Award Ceremony in Chicago on Nov. 2.
The award is an accolade given annually to a civil service employee who exemplifies the characteristics of former UIC employee Janice Watkins for whom the award is a memorial. These characteristics include a pleasant, warm demeanor; cooperative; well-informed; diligent and dedicated to performing job duties; and involved in activities and/or organizations that are beneficial to the well-being of UIC.
Ruiz joined UICOMR as the family medicine residency program coordinator in 1999 and later became assistant director of human resources. Since 2016, he has served as director of human resources, overseeing the HR operations with genuine care for each individual.
“Brett is organized, conscientious, dependable and hard-working. He treats employees with respect and values and seeks employee input,” says one of his nominators. “He is an excellent planner, who is able carry out a plan of action in a responsible and professional manner. He is able to conceptualize, analyze and carry out projects effectively. He always follows up on assigned tasks and is a good communicator, both up and down the organization. His ethics are of the highest standard.”
In addition to consistently exhibiting empathy and kindness in his leadership role, Ruiz leads the UICOMR Fun Committee. “His ability to bring people together, whether for a Summer Sizzle, a wellness day, or our week-long employee recognition event, has significantly boosted engagement and created a vibrant work atmosphere,” says another nominator.
Dean Alex Stagnaro-Green, MD, MHPE, MHA, says Ruiz is constantly cooperative, diligent, steadfastly calm and empathetic.
“Undoubtedly, Brett has developed a culture in the Office of Human Resources that is viewed by all as a place for clarity and support, a strength of our campus and, most importantly, an office where integrity, fairness and collegiality are paramount,” he says. “For his dedication, demeanor and diligence, Brett Ruiz is more than deserving of the Janice Watkins Award.”