Representatives of Institutional Support
Gerald Cleveland
Gerald’s professional career has always had a focus on people; helping people become healthier and more productive while creating opportunities for others to make positive lifestyle changes. As Director of Employee Health Promotion, Gerald is in a position to influence the workday lives of the UTMB employee population which, in turn, helps create a healthier bottom line for the university. A 15-year veteran at UTMB, Gerald and the experienced and dedicated staff has established a worksite health promotion program that is recognized as a best practice example within the UT System. Programs such as tobacco cessation, health risk assessments, health coaching and fitness consultations touch thousands of employees annually. He is currently charged with the task of transitioning the Commit to Fit program to an initiative that includes institutional, departmental and personal focus to be known as Training for Life. Gerald has been directly involved in the growth and expansion of the Alumni Field House where the offices for Employee Health Promotion reside. During his tenure at UTMB, Gerald has served on numerous campus and UT-wide committees that currently include: the UT System Health & Wellness Task Force, Preventive Medicine & Community Health Executive Committee and the Institutional Safety Leadership Committee. Gerald is past Region-six president of the Association for Worksite Health Promotion, a member of the Executive Board of Directors for the Houston Well City Initiative, past President of American Heart Association, Galveston chapter and 1995 – 96 recipient of the Harris and Eliza Kempner Volunteer of the Year Award. As a member of the UTMB Employee Advisory Council, Gerald is excited about the opportunity to use his experience and passion to promote a positive and collaborative work environment for UTMB employees.
Gerald resides in Galveston with his wife of 21 years and their wonderful ninth grade daughter.
Neal Cooper
During the fifteen plus years I have been at UTMB, I have worked toward establishing programs and services that have the health of employees at heart. Membership on the EAC expands on that work and creates other opportunities to influence the overall UTMB employee culture.
Neal Joined UTMB in December of 2005 as Contract Administrator for off-site procurement services through Central Purchasing. He has over eleven years of experience with the State, and over twenty-three years in Purchasing/Contract Administration experience. Most recently, in 2010 he was promoted to Utilities Operations Manager/Sustainability Manager for UTMB. In this role, he manages a team whose responsibilities include:
- Analysis of the energy consumption data produced through Utilities for the campus,
- Recycling and Waste Stream Management Services for the campus-including the Earth Day celebration in the Spring,
- Transportation Initiatives which include:
- Representing UTMB at Galveston County Transit District Board meetings
- Houston-Galveston Area Council activities
- Consultation with Island Transit, and Transit Connect
- Victory Lakes and Mall of the Mainland Park-n-Ride services
In his current position, Neal already serves as liaison between executive leadership and the staff and student populations across the campus regarding Facility issues and Recycling/Conservation initiatives. His responsibilities require him to constantly communicate with all levels of the UTMB community regarding issues that are of interest to everyone. As a member of the Employee Advisory Council, Neal would bring the knowledge gleaned from that level of communication to the Council. As part of the Business and Facilities Operation Branch of the institution, he would be able to speak for, or relay information/requests to and from Facilities leadership.
Julie Cantini
Julie Cantini joined the UTMB Family in 2005 when accepting the Special Events Coordinator’s position for the School of Nursing. Prior to that, Julie had a career in the Hospitality Industry for over 25 years with a strong customer service background.
Soon after joining the School, Julie was promoted as the Director of Alumni Affairs & Special Events. During that time, she worked closely with the Dean to ensure the mission, and goals, set forth for the School were met.
In 2008, Julie joined the Development Office with the Alumni Relations team. In 2010, she was promoted to the Director of Alumni & Parent Relations. Julie is responsible for fostering relationships with alumni and for the oversight of the Young Alumni program, Parents Council, Alumni Boards and Alumni focused events. In addition, she oversees the Alumni Communications efforts by way of eSolicitations, stewardship and all media related outlets.
Julie is honored to have been chosen as a representative of the EAC for the Institutional Support sector of UTMB. She looks forward to helping facilitate communication between executive leadership and classified and, administrative and professional employees. Together we will work wonders for UTMB Health!
Michele Lockwood
I would like to participate on the Employee Advisory Council because I want to encourage and enhance rewarding careers for employees at UTMB. I currently have been a member of the EAC for two years; replacing a member who left UTMB before a three year EAC commitment was completed. I would like the opportunity to continue serving the needs of UTMB employees via the EAC, doing my part as we work together to work wonders.
My current role in Information Services (IS) includes supporting Human Resource and Administrative functions. I feel that shared communication between all levels of staff is important to employee morale and productivity.
UTMB, in tandem with my work ethic, dedication, and enthusiasm; has provided me a positive career opportunity. I would like to help ensure that employees at UTMB are involved, aware, and informed on issues that impact employment. Employees are a major factor to the success of UTMB, and our input makes a difference. I feel I can do a great job in supporting UTMB employees in my role in the EAC.
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