Lisa Runco receives September Gold ‘U’ award

Tom Tape, M.D., knew Lisa Runco was an invaluable employee long before he worked with her in internal medicine.

The story, according to the chief of general medicine, goes …

“My first professional interaction with Lisa Runco occurred many years ago when she was the administrator for the eye clinic. My secretary overheard my difficulty trying to book an appointment and said, ‘Let me call Lisa Runco — I know she can help you.’ Lisa called me right back and … arranged for me to be seen right away. I assumed she had been a nurse and was amazed to find out that she was a business person who possesses a lot of common sense and cares tremendously about people.









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Lisa Runco
“Years later when I was asked to interview her for the job of administrator of internal medicine, I remembered that incident and knew that she was the sort of person who would make our department shine. Now that I have worked with Lisa closely for the past four years, I am more amazed than ever about what an incredible asset she is to UNMC.”

Several others, including Lynell Klassen, M.D., chairman of internal medicine, also raved about Runco in nomination letters that led to the internal medicine administrator’s selection as the Gold ‘U’ recipient.

“Her expertise in administrative and financial systems — as well as her ability to be a team player — has lead many leaders in the greater UNMC community to call on her for help with strategic planning and tactical plan implementation,” Dr. Klassen said.

Below, Runco talks about her work at UNMC.

Describe your job.

I maintain the overall financial integrity of the department, including clinical, research and educational operations. I’m the business leader for all internal medicine clinical operations and I manage and mentor administrative staff, including all IM divisions and the chairman’s office.

What’s your best on-the-job memory?

I can’t think of one that stands out as there have been so many rewarding experiences. Receiving the Gold ‘U’ honor is definitely a highlight and I am very grateful and humbled.

What is the best part of your job?

The people who I have worked with over the years, and now particularly in internal medicine, are so professional, intelligent and creative. It is a pleasure to come to work every day.

12 comments

  1. Jerry L. Cooper says:

    Congratulations Lisa. As manager at UNMCP Baker Place for six years, I have had the pleasure of working with you on mostly the budget-side of things for Internal Medicine. I can only tell you that it was wonderful to have that support because it made what is typically a high-stress time of the year for the managers much more organized. We all appreciated your expertise in money-matters. Thank you, Lisa.

  2. Kathy Austin says:

    Congratulations Lisa! You hired me in Ophthalmology 17 years ago and I still continue to learn from you!

  3. Keith Swarts says:

    Congratulations Lisa,

    You are very deserving of this recognition. Your dedication, honesty and willingness to "think outside of the box" makes you a real asset for UNMC.

  4. Carla Gaul says:

    Congratulations, Lisa, on winning the Golden U! We appreciate all you do for us! Thank you!

  5. Mary Mailliard says:

    Congratulations! Well deserved…you are truly Golden and a joy to work with!

  6. Chris Dunham says:

    You are so deserving of this! A very special lady and cherished friend, beautiful inside and out.

  7. Tom O'Connor says:

    Lisa is a great selection for the Gold U. She epitomizes the quality that makes UNMC tick, and she works tirelessly to get the job done. Bravo, Lisa. Job well done!

  8. Joanne Johnson says:

    Congratulations Lisa! You are a joy to work with, and a tremendous asset to UNMC!

  9. Mary F. Kammerer says:

    Congratulations Lisa, well deserved. It has been a pleasure watching you grow from a young woman in Ophthalmology to the mature self assure business woman you have become today. It has been a pleasure to work with you. Good job!

  10. Pat Araujo says:

    Lisa, Congratulations! You have always been so helpful whenever I have needed anything. You are a real asset to UNMC.

  11. Joe Kalamaja says:

    Congratulations, Lisa. I'm very happy that you're dedication and professionalism has been recognized. All the best.

  12. Dan McQuade says:

    Lisa, Congratulations, I have always enjoyed working with you ……….Dan McQuade

Comments are closed.