Resourcing our PEAK Implementation (sent 8/2/23)
Dear faculty and staff,
The U of M System launched the PEAK (Positioned for Excellence, Alignment and Knowledge) initiative to “provide improved, consistent, equitable and cost-effective services across the University of Minnesota System.” PEAK has been focused on four key elements of academic and institutional support including: marketing and communications (marcom), human resources (HR), finance, and information technology (IT).
In early 2022, UMD, along with our other greater MN campuses and some Twin Cities units, was identified as being among the first units to begin PEAK planning and implementation. This work has not been easy, and it is certainly not simple. It can create uncertainty about future duties and work locations for impacted employees. There are also significant benefits to streamlining our work and leveraging resources in Duluth as well as across the system.
In order for PEAK at UMD to be as successful as possible we need to strategically drive our local PEAK implementation efforts. Bringing a collective vision forward for what HR, finance, IT and marcom will look like once PEAK is complete is critically important. That is why I am pleased to announce that Jason Davis will take on a new role as Strategic Adviser to the Chancellor and lead our efforts to plan and implement all aspects of PEAK at UMD. In this role, reporting to me, Jason will serve as the executive leader for UMD’s PEAK initiative. Jason has served on the PEAK IT executive team and has seen firsthand how we can optimize outcomes by redesigning, and in some cases, rethinking work processes and better deployment of fiscal resources as well as our time and talent.
This work will be done thoughtfully and collaboratively. Given the close connection with IT and marcom, Jason has already been working closely with Lynne Williams, chief marketing and communications officer, on the IT and marcom implementation. To-date, PEAK-related IT and marcom outcomes and planning reflect what I believe are the types of forward thinking and long-term perspectives this campus needs. Importantly, Jason also has great relationships with system and PEAK leadership and has proven his leadership skills here on campus and with leadership in Minneapolis.
I expect full implementation of all aspects of the PEAK process to take several years and it will be several more before we realize its full potential. Key HR and finance related initiatives are scheduled in the next several months and it is critical that UMD speak with one voice as the system continues to move ahead. In doing so, we will achieve better long-term outcomes for campus and be able to move forward successfully.
Jason will keep his role as chief information technology officer and continue to provide strategic leadership to ITSS. However, with these new responsibilities, Sally Bradt will assume the role of interim ITSS director and manage the day-to-day operations and responsibilities for the department. Sally has served as the manager of end user support, web, and data security at UMD for nearly two decades and has led countless successful UMD and system level projects for nearly 30 years. Her UMD leadership and system relationships will be great assets to ITSS and UMD during this transition.
Please join me in thanking Jason and Sally as they tackle these important leadership roles.
Sincerely, |
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