The Holly J. Falk-Krzesinski Service Award was established in 2011 and named for NORDP’s founding President, Holly J. Falk-Krzesinski, Ph.D., who was the first recipient. Voted on by the Board of Directors, the award is given annually to a NORDP Member in recognition of outstanding service to the organization and to the Research Development profession. The honor is recognized with a commemorative plaque and free registration to the following year’s NORDP Research Development Conference.
Kari Whittenberger-Keith, Ph.D.
Senior Proposal Development Manager, Office of Research, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
NORDP Board of Directors 2016-2020
Kari’s 30 plus years in higher education is a testament to her advocacy for professional development and for RD professionals. NORDP members have benefited positively from her efforts. She is both an innovator in our field and in her service to our organization.
Through her role in laying the groundwork for our professional development programming, Kari has built a high quality and enriching curriculum for all NORDP members – from the early pre-conference workshops, to webinar offerings all year long, to an exciting new and innovative conference program this year to suit every taste and every need.
In 2016, Kari received a “Rising Star” award for her service; was elected to the NORDP Board; and served as Co-Chair of the Effective Practices & Professional Development Committee through its transition into the Professional Development (PD) Committee. As a 2019 Conference Co-Chair, Kari helped spearhead the substantial changes to our annual conference structure.
Kari’s clear dedication to NORDP and its members contributed to her election to the Board of Directors. NORDP benefits from her continuity of service through a multi-year commitment to our conference committees and her active service on subcommittees.
In short, Kari’s official leadership roles in NORDP have been numerous, and her contributions in those roles substantial. As one of her nominators noted, “Kari embodies warmth, humor, and opens her heart to all of us.”
Kari’s practical approach and collaborative spirit have provided an excellent model for others to emulate in their service to our community. Kari’s leadership through the PD committee’s many transitions most certainly contributed to the committee’s success, and her leadership has helped ensure that NORDP meets its members’ evolving professional development programming needs, ensuring growth of the RD profession.
Those who know her well compliment her communication skills and ability to manage diverse teams as two of her greatest assets. She is an accomplished mentor/coach to those who serve the organization, offering her own brand of support and encouragement to sustain our efforts. With a dedication to seeing plans through to fruition, Kari can talk us off the proverbial “ledge” and get things back on track. She has given so much and we all benefit from her selflessness. She is a powerful force!
Posted on behalf of the NORDP Board of Directors
NORDP fosters a culture of inclusive excellence by actively promoting and supporting diversity, inclusion and equity in all its forms to expand our worldview, enrich our work, and elevate our profession.
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