UMB ELEVATE

Cohorts

Each ELEVATE cohort brings together people from across UMB to learn continuous improvement methods, identify opportunities for improvement, and build skills to help their teams improve how work gets done.

Inaugural Cohort

The first group of university leaders to participate in UMB ELEVATE.

UMB ELEVATE’s first training cohort began in August 2026, bringing together 16 leaders from across the university to learn the basics of continuous improvement and explore how to apply these methods with their teams.

Meet our inaugural cohort!

Laura Scarantino, MSF

Assistant Vice President of Sponsored Projects Accounting and Compliance

Email: lscarantino@umaryland.edu

I am excited to participate in the UMB ELEVATE Continuous Improvement Initiative because it offers an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across UMB and contribute to meaningful process impr... Read More

Shannon Idzik, DNP, ANP-BC, FAAN, FAANP

Associate Dean DNP Program; Professor

Email: idzik@umaryland.edu

Quality improvement is the cornerstone of DNP education and has shaped much of my work as a clinician, educator, and academic leader. I am excited about UMB ELEVATE because I am passionate about id... Read More

Anna Borgerding, MA, PMP

Assistant Vice President Facilities and Operations

Email: aborgerding@umaryland.edu

I'm looking forward to embarking on this transformative journey that brings innovative ideas and a more efficient, effective, and cohesive work culture to the campus. I'm looking forward to working... Read More

Valerie Villafaña Sikora, MSF

Associate Dean, Administration and Finance

Email: vsikora@umaryland.edu

I have heard of Lean Six Sigma throughout my career and how effective it has been for corporations. I have always been focused on continuous improvement and have not had the opportunity to be train... Read More

Zandra D. Rawlinson, Ed.D.

Director, Employee Learning and Development

Email: zandra.rawlinson@umaryland.edu

As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to implement solutions that enhance efficiency and performance. I am excited to join the UMB ELEVATE team and act as a change ... Read More

Denise J. Meyer

Director, Facilities & Operations

Email: denise.meyer@umaryland.edu

I am excited to participate in ELEVATE because it brings people together from across the University to learn, collaborate, and identify meaningful opportunities for improvement. Continuous improvem... Read More

Reese Spindle, MBA, CCMP

Associate Director, Facilities Administration & Operations

Email: tspindle@umaryland.edu

For nearly 20 years, I have been passionate about continuous improvement and its ability to make work more efficient and rewarding for the people doing it. Building on years of practical experience... Read More

Kevin Donegan

Assistant Vice President, Budget and Financial Analysis

Email: KDonegan@umaryland.edu

I’m excited to serve as project lead for UMB ELEVATE as it represents an opportunity to build a culture where faculty and staff are empowered to explore ideas, improve processes, and help sha... Read More

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Growing ELEVATE Across UMB

The first cohort is just the beginning. Future cohorts will expand the community of employees equipped to support continuous improvement throughout UMB.

As ELEVATE grows, each cohort will add new perspectives, ideas, and expertise to the initiative, helping more people across the University identify opportunities, share what works, and make meaningful improvements to the way we work.

Interested in being part of a future cohort?

Information about future cohorts and opportunities to participate will be shared as they become available.

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