When Brett Morris joined the Health Science Center in May as the assistant vice president for human resources, his goal was to make the office of human resources a highly-responsive and flexible service department, capable of meeting the current and future needs of employees and the institution. Now that he has settled into his position and become acquainted with his staff, he’s making modifications throughout the department to create a pathway to further success.

As part of the modifications, three experienced staff members have taken on new roles to assist the Health Science Center in the most efficient way possible.

“These changes are designed to make the office of human resources as responsive to our community as possible,” Morris said. “I have inherited an incredible staff from Tony Ramirez, former assistant vice president for human resources, and I’ve done nothing but build on that. We’re making transitions as an office from being basic processors to becoming consultants and problem solvers for our campus.”

Sandy Casanova, senior human resources consultant

Casanova
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Drawing on Casanova’s 29 years of work experience at the Health Science Center, Morris named her the senior human resources consultant. She is a benefits resource for all department chairs and senior staff, providing personal service and consultations for individuals. Among numerous duties, Casanova works closely with Morris, assisting him with a variety of tasks and projects.

“My dad taught me that you do what you have to do in order to get the job done,” Casanova said. “I’ve lived by that phrase for many years and have had many rewarding experiences because of it.”

Casanova’s strong dedication to and knowledge of the Health Science Center have made her not only a specialist in the area of benefits, but a generalist in the complete field of human resources.

“Sandy could handle all aspects of this department,” Morris said. “She has one of the strongest work ethics I’ve ever come across. I’m using her many years of experience to help advance our department.”

David Castillo, formerly of The University of Texas-Pan American, has replaced Casanova as the new benefits manager

Margaret Drake, Ph.D., associate director for communications and organizational development

Dr. Drake joined the Health Science Center in 1978 as a coordinator of administrative programs. She has now taken on a new title and role as the associate director for communications and organizational development.

She is responsible for developing strategic communications for faculty and staff, informing them of human resources issues that affect them. Other responsibilities include publicizing the role of the human resources office by enhancing the department’s Web presence and informing the campus community of human resources’ ability to assist with organizational development.

Dr. Margaret Drake and Jesse Gomez

“We don’t just do classroom presentations,” Dr. Drake said. “We also consult with departments that are seeking ways to improve group interaction and processes.”

In addition, Dr. Drake coordinates various human resources initiatives and reviews and edits documents, such as human resource-related policies for the Handbook of Operating Procedures.

“We are all energized and working very hard to improve our services,” Dr. Drake said. Under Morris’ leadership, the whole team has a new sense of purpose, Dr. Drake said.

“Dr. Drake is a tremendous asset not only to the office of human resources, but to the entire Health Science Center,” Morris said. “In the past six months, she has been tasked with moving from a traditional training operation to a new form of communication and development organization. The combination of her intellect, skills and abilities make her a great asset to me and to the entire office.”

Jesse Gomez, associate director of human resources for business systems

After 10 years as the assistant director of human resources, Gomez’s job has transitioned to keeping the human resources department on pace with technology. Gomez oversees the business systems of the department, including PeopleSoft, and oversees personnel-related administrative processes. Additionally, he manages institutional reporting for human resources.

Gomez says his new position is both challenging and exciting. He enjoys assisting the department in its technological advances and looks forward to contributing to the university’s growth and success.

“Technology is constantly evolving,” Gomez said. “I enjoy being a part of the ever-changing field and using a variety of skills to further our institution.”

When Morris began his position, he was incredibly fortunate to acquire the services of Jesse Gomez, Morris said.

“In addition to being a first-rate human resources generalist, he is also a Renaissance gentleman whose vision and leadership are great assets to the office of human resources and to the Health Science Center.”

With these modifications, the Health Science Center’s human resources office is on the fast-track to success.

“There is a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this department that makes this transition possible,” Morris said. “These are very exciting times in the office of human resources.”