UMB Spotlight Shines on 2025 Employee of the Year Lisa Finn

The School of Pharmacy’s assistant director of assessment and accommodations in the Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs is honored at the Employee Recognition and Service Awards event.

By Lou Cortina
April 2, 2026

Lisa Finn, MPH, typically prefers to work behind the scenes, but she took center stage at Westminster Hall on March 25 as she was honored with the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) 2025 Cecil S. Kelly Memorial Employee of the Year Award.

Finn, assistant director of assessment and accommodations, Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP), said she was “genuinely shocked” when UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, announced her name during the Employee Recognition and Service Awards Luncheon at Westminster Hall.

“With so many outstanding nominees, I never imagined I’d be selected,” Finn said. “Being recognized by Dr. Jarrell and hearing his kind words was truly a special moment.

“It is humbling to know that my dedication has mattered and had a positive impact,” she added. “UMB is home to so many extraordinary and deserving individuals, and their commitment is what elevates the University to such a prestigious level. To be recognized among them is a tremendous honor.”

Finn received a certificate of commendation, an engraved crystal award, and $1,000 as rewards for the Employee of the Year honor. She was selected from a list of 18 nominees that included the UMB Employees of the Month in 2025 (she was the December honoree).

After announcing the award, Jarrell read quotes from her Employee of the Month nomination, which was written by Finn’s supervisor, Agnes Ann Feemster, PharmD, BCPS, associate dean of faculty and academic affairs, UMSOP.

“Lisa consistently excels in her role, regularly taking on additional assignments with ease. Her proactive approach is exemplified by her recent initiative to develop a new faculty newsletter, which highlights important updates related to academic affairs.”

“She frequently communicates information to faculty, even when it may be met with resistance. She handles these situations with respect and sensitivity, ensuring that her message is conveyed appropriately and thoughtfully.”

“Lisa exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, her collaborative spirit, and her role as a model colleague have made a profound impact on the School of Pharmacy.”

Finn has worked for UMSOP for 18 years. Her current job involves handling the awards and nominations process as well as purchasing, working with course evaluations and assessments, and implementing accommodations for students with disabilities.

Around UMSOP, Finn has been described as a “utility player,” someone who not only undertakes many duties, but also is the person whom leadership turns to for help if it needs a job done quickly and effectively. Two of those tasks in recent years were helping to launch the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program and establish the Educational Support and Disability Services testing center for UMSOP and physician assistant students.

“I am deeply grateful to the many individuals who have guided and mentored me over the years,” Finn said. “I’m fortunate to work alongside people whose dedication to excellence and service to our students continually inspires me. The work we do to prepare the next generation of health care professionals is important, and I never take that responsibility lightly.

“Each day, I remind myself that everyone I meet has something to teach me, and that by lifting others up and sharing what we know, we all grow stronger,” she added. “My career would not be what it is today without the support of exceptional colleagues and the students who make this journey worthwhile.”

Jen Badie contributed to this story.

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