Read Time: 5 minutes
This year, six Huntsman Cancer Institute employees have been honored with the (USEA), recognizing their exceptional service, innovation, and dedication to advancing Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 mission.
These awards, established in 1992, celebrate the superior contributions of U of U staff, with recipients selected for their lasting impact on their teams and the communities they serve. Huntsman Cancer Institute employees Sam Alvey, Diane Everett, Kelly Fritz, Heather Haley, Steve Meisner, and Mindy Stone are among this year鈥檚 distinguished recipients.
Sam Alvey
Associate Director of Research Development, Huntsman Cancer Institute Research Administration
鈥淚t feels really good to be recognized by the people you work with and support in their work.鈥
Sam Alvey contributes to Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 mission by supporting investigators in preparing large multi-project grants. His role includes project management, writing, editing, and providing vital administrative support to research teams. With a background in microbiology, Alvey spent years teaching at a small college in Montana before transitioning to Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Alvey鈥檚 journey to Huntsman Cancer Institute came at a significant time in his life. A friend suggested he apply for the role as his sister neared the end of her cancer journey. That connection to cancer and its impact deepened his passion for the institute鈥檚 work.
Alvey鈥檚 favorite part of his role is being part of the fight against cancer.
Diane Everett, BS, RTT
Manager, Radiation Oncology
鈥淚t鈥檚 a wonderful honor that reflects the dedication of the incredible team I鈥檝e worked with.鈥
Diane Everett has spent over 40 years in radiation oncology, beginning as a staff radiation therapist before rising to her current role as manager. She now leads a team of more than 40 therapists, providing cutting-edge care across Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 main center and satellite locations.
Early in her career, Everett treated a young mother with cancer鈥攁 moment that underscored the gravity and importance of her work. As the department grew, Everett transitioned into leadership roles, where she now focuses on supporting her team and ensuring patients receive life-saving treatments with kindness and dignity.
鈥淚鈥檝e always felt proud to work at Huntsman Cancer Institute,鈥 she says. 鈥淧atients put their faith in us because of the advanced care we provide.鈥
As Everett prepares to retire, receiving the Staff Excellence Award is a meaningful way to cap her career.
Kelly Fritz, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy Specialty Services
鈥淭his award is a reminder that the work I do matters to both my peers and the patients we serve at Huntsman Cancer Institute.鈥
Kelly Fritz specializes in oncology care as a clinical pharmacist, supporting neuro-oncology and inpatient medical oncology teams. She plays a key role in educating staff about chemotherapy and supportive care while tailoring treatment regimens to meet individual patient needs.
Fritz first came to Huntsman Cancer Institute as a pharmacy resident before moving to California to work at another cancer center. However, she quickly realized she missed the unique community at Huntsman Cancer Institute and returned as a clinical pharmacist. Over the years, Fritz has served as a clinical coordinator, interim clinical manager, and now focuses on full-time patient care.
Fritz is proud to work at Huntsman Cancer Institute, where personalized patient care sets the standard. 鈥淎t the end of the day, we鈥檙e all working to improve someone鈥檚 treatment path,鈥 she shares. Her favorite part of her role is mentoring future health care providers, ensuring the next generation continues to deliver exceptional care.
Heather Haley
Post-Award Grants & Contracts Officer V, Huntsman Cancer Institute Research Administration
鈥淚 am deeply thankful for all the faculty and staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute who guide and support me. Their shared knowledge and expertise motivate me to achieve my goals.鈥
Heather Haley serves as the post-award grants and contracts officer for the Center for Health Outcomes and Health Equity Research (HOPE), directed by David Wetter, PhD. In her role, she works closely with faculty investigators to oversee operations and manage pre- and post-award applications alongside Huntsman Cancer Institute administrators.
鈥淢y favorite part is working with the Center for HOPE researchers and staff, being a part of the behind-the-scenes work, and making sure they have what they need to succeed,鈥 Heather shares.
Steve Meisner, MBA, RT(TR)
Manager, Radiation Oncology
鈥淲e have incredible staff and physicians who do amazing things every day. Being recognized by my peers for the Staff Excellence Award is a special honor.鈥
As operations manager in Radiation Oncology, Steve Meisner ensures that staff have the resources, support, and equipment needed to provide exceptional patient care. Meisner鈥檚 journey at Huntsman Cancer Institute began in 1999 as the sole manager for Radiation Oncology. Over the years, the department expanded significantly, and his responsibilities grew to include overseeing finances, contracts, and staffing for over 100 employees.
鈥淚 love helping the people who take care of our patients,鈥 Meisner says. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 ensuring they have the supplies they need or advising them on difficult situations, I thoroughly enjoy what I do.鈥
Mindy Stone
Research Laboratory Liaison, Huntsman Cancer Institute Research Administration
鈥淚 prefer working behind the scenes, so being recognized by my peers motivates me to continue improving and supporting Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 vision of a cancer-free world.鈥
Mindy Stone plays an essential role at Huntsman Cancer Institute, ensuring researchers have everything they need to focus on groundbreaking discoveries. As laboratory liaison, she supports onboarding, lab safety compliance, equipment purchases and maintenance, lab remodels, and more. Her strong background in biochemistry and pharmaceutical sciences enables her to communicate effectively with both Huntsman Cancer Institute leadership and external departments.
Stone began her journey at Huntsman Cancer Institute in 2010 as part of the Ayer Lab, focusing on protein purification and managing an animal colony. In 2014, she transitioned to her current role, where she expanded her reach from supporting one lab to assisting all of Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 wet labs. Over the last decade, Stone has helped double Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 research capacity, facilitating the opening of a second research building.
鈥淚 love managing the behind-the-scenes work so our researchers can focus on their discoveries,鈥 Stone shares. 鈥淜nowing my support contributes to new understanding and potential treatments drives me every day.鈥
For Stone, Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 mission is personal. Having lost family members to cancer, she feels deeply connected to the work being done here. 鈥淭his is more than a job鈥攊t鈥檚 a personal mission to support research that brings hope and change.鈥