Vanessa Harrington
March was a memorable month for Vanessa Harrington, MS, SHRM-CP, executive director of security and compliance in the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Department of Police and Public Safety. Not only did she successfully defend her dissertation, earning a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, but just days later she also was named UMB’s Employee of the Month.
UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, and several dozen colleagues from around campus joined a videoconference March 9 to surprise Harrington with the news of her award.
Jarrell pointed out the “tremendous” support that Harrington receives from her colleagues and joked about how she’s known for “putting out fires” (the Office of the Fire Marshal is part of Police and Public Safety). Harrington also was praised for being the heart of the team.
“Your contributions to the police department are numerous, and we’re just so happy that you are with us, not only for your intellect, but you always bring laughter to whatever group you are in,” said Dawn M. Rhodes, DBA, chief business and finance officer and senior vice president.
Thomas Leone, MSL, assistant vice president for public safety and chief of police, added, “We’re all so proud of you. You do an amazing job here, and you keep us energized.”
Harrington, who has worked in Police and Public Safety for four of the 10 years she has been at UMB, supervises more than 100 civilian workers including security officers, police communication operators (sometimes called dispatchers), and administrative employees and handles human resources issues as well. Her days can consist of meetings regarding security concerns in buildings or negotiations with unions as well as dealing with any emergencies that may crop up.
“There are a lot of long days, but you feel like you’re helping people,” she said. “It’s harder when you don’t see the effect of your work.”
Her supervisor, Deputy Chief Barbara Duncan, JD, praised Harrington’s work ethic.
“Vanessa Harrington is the embodiment of professionalism, respect, and innovation,” Duncan said. “She is constantly ‘putting out fires’ and solving complex challenges. Despite this difficult and stressful job, Vanessa is routinely recognized as a leader who deeply cares for her employees and colleagues.”
When Harrington came to Police and Public Safety from UMB’s Office of Accountability and Compliance, one of the first things she said she learned was that the security team felt undervalued and taken for granted. So she planned and implemented a formal Security Officer Appreciation Week.
“During this week, she personally visits every security desk and shows genuine appreciation for each security officer’s contributions,” said Carin Cardella, MA, MS, MPIO, public information officer, Police and Public Safety, who nominated Harrington for the award. “This work set a new standard for recognition and engagement within the security division, which is often overlooked, fostering pride and improving morale within the team.”
A committee now plans the week, which is held in September, but Harrington handled the planning for the inaugural appreciation week.
“The first year I went around to every post on the weekend because I wanted there to be balloons at every desk,” she said. “Every day there was an event celebrating them.”
Harrington pointed out that the security officers deal with a lot of tense situations.
“They’re the eyes and the ears for the police department, they’re the first ones to see something, and they’re the ones calling police on campus to get them there,” she said.
Harrington has also streamlined and improved many processes within the department that were previously overlooked. For example, she switched the scheduling from paper to online software, which she said was a big change for the employees.
“Change can be tough, and managing change I think is the biggest challenge,” she said. “But what makes it good is that you see the positive effect it has on people. So while it’s tough, it’s for the good of the department and the good of the campus.”
Harrington said the people she works with are her favorite part of her job.
“This is the toughest job I’ve ever had in my life — the longest hours, the most stress because you’re dealing with a lot of tough situations, and I tend to be overly sensitive — but the people I work with make it worthwhile,” she said. “We’re here to help each other. Everyone’s supportive. I don’t even know what this job would be like without the team I work with.”
She also works closely with other departments such as UMB’s Human Resource Services and has served on many Universitywide committees, including the Transportation Committee and the Middle States Accreditation Steering Committee. She was a participant in UMB’s Emerging Leaders Program.
“Silos don’t exist to Vanessa,” Duncan said. “Her insights are invaluable to progressing the conversation.”
“It’s really important to me to learn,” Harrington said. “I’ve found every bit of information I’ve gotten has come in handy or been helpful to me or somebody else along the way. Being involved in all these committees has taught me ways to do my job better, to provide access to others to information. There are resources across the campus that people aren’t aware of.”
Harrington thanked Leone and Duncan for their support.
“Chief Leone gives me support and encouragement, and every day he makes me more amazed at what I’m able to achieve,” Harrington said. “Barbara Duncan is of the same cloth. I always heard that when you have a good manager, it can change everything. They are the best example. It’s life-changing to have a job where your supervisors get it and care about you and care about the people.”
Harrington, who will receive a certificate and $250 in her paycheck for being selected Employee of the Month, called winning the award “the icing on the cake.”
“I can’t wait to come into work every single day,” she said. “It’s the best group of people I’ve ever worked with. Everyone says I’m a workaholic, but when I’m home, I’m wondering what everyone’s doing here and I can’t wait to get in and finish a project or move us forward.
“I can’t believe I get recognized for doing something that I love.”
— Jen Badie