Kimberly Slavsky, operational data lead in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, has held a position that was created for her just over five years ago. She previously spent a decade in another role before seeking new opportunities.
“I had been in my current role for 10 years and I was looking to transition into something different,” Slavsky said. “My (director of finance and administration) wanted to modernize processes and have better tracking metrics. That was something I had enjoyed doing, especially after working on my master of science in organizational leadership, so I was very fortunate to have a position created for me.”
Slavsky focuses on process development and improvement using Smartsheet software. She also manages the department’s intranet and distribution lists.
“It’s a great program with lots of helpful features,” she said. “I also manage the department’s intranet and distribution lists.”
In addition to her operational duties, Slavsky serves as co-chair of the University of Colorado Staff Council (UCSC), which represents employees from all four campuses and system administration.
She has an interest in history, particularly social aspects from the early 20th century through the Cold War era. “I like learning about the social aspects more than the battles,” she said. “However, I have watched many a documentary or read a book that covered military tactics.” In her free time, she enjoys family activities and music.
Slavsky became involved with staff governance after learning about it from a colleague who was leaving CU. She began serving on her campus council in December 2019 and joined UCSC in August 2020.
“I started serving on my campus council in December of 2019. I tell people that I worked at CU for over eight years before I even knew what Staff Council was. A colleague of mine who was leaving mentioned it in a meeting, so I asked her about it afterwards. Once I heard about it, I knew I wanted to participate.
My first meeting was a Q-and-A session for a previous president search, which I thought was amazing. Ever since that day, I was hooked. I was given the opportunity to serve on UCSC starting in August of 2020, and it has been one of the best experiences that I have ever had professionally.”
On why shared governance matters to her, Slavsky stated: “I participate in shared governance to ensure staff perspectives are heard in decisions that affect policies, resources and workplace culture. It’s about advocating for fairness and inclusivity for staff.
Shared governance also strengthens transparency and trust. We’re helping to create policies that align with both staff needs and organizational goals. I believe it fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. We are a part of shaping a positive environment for faculty, staff and students.”
As co-chair alongside JáNet Hurt, Slavsky explained how they divide responsibilities: “We split the duties evenly, taking turns at presentations for the Board of Regent meetings, attending meetings of the campus councils, and we attend meetings together as much as possible. We discuss what the best path forward would be.
My main goal is to work with Ja’Net, my co-chair, in building stronger relationships and being the voice of the staff – for all matters that come to our attention – to the best of our abilities.”
Addressing current priorities for UCSC during times marked by budget challenges and rising living costs across federal and state levels—factors affecting university staff—Slavsky emphasized visibility: “There has been a significant amount of unrest with the federal transitions, state and federal budget shortfalls, the increased cost of living, etc. There sadly isn’t much we can do with that. However, all of this can have a detrimental effect on staff. So, I feel that our most important priorities are to show staff that we exist, that we are here for them and we want to help.
We are incredibly lucky at CU to have supportive leadership, and they are willing to help where they can. I think that is also important, that we help staff to see that they are more than a warm body and that people at all levels are working for them.”
When asked what she values most about working at CU Anschutz Medical Campus—a center known internationally for medical research breakthroughs—Slavsky highlighted both institutional impact and community: “I have two favorite things, the first one being the fact that I work on a campus that is making medical breakthroughs for patients not only locally but internationally. We are training future doctors, dentists, nurses and a whole host of other providers and scientists to change the world, all through what they learned here. It’s pretty cool.
The other one, and I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the people. From my colleagues in the Department of Psychiatry,to other staff and faculty members,and allthe way throughto our senior leadership team,weallhavea similar goal,andwestrivetoworktowardit.”
More information about getting involved with campus-specific Staff Councils is available online:
– CU Boulder: https://www.colorado.edu/staffcouncil/
– UCCS: https://staff.uccs.edu/
– CU Denver: https://www.ucdenver.edu/faculty-staff/staff-council
– CU Anschutz: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/staff-council
