CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Cari West-Henkelman was selected as the Office Professional of the Year 2023 by the Illinois Administrative Professionals organization at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
West-Henkelman is the office manager with the Administrative Accounting and Financial Reporting unit in the Office of Business and Financial Services. She was presented with the award April 19 during a luncheon at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. West-Henkelman is the 31st person to receive the award, which is given annually to a dedicated employee whose expertise and professionalism help their unit run more efficiently.
“There are many wonderful administrators in the Illinois Administrative Professionals group, so I feel very honored to be selected for this amazing award,” said West-Henkelman, who was nominated by her supervisor, Nikki Melander, the director for controller operations.
“Nikki, along with our entire management team, has given me guidance and opportunities to excel professionally. Winning this award has opened the door for networking connections that will be helpful in continuing my growth as an administrative professional.”
Jennifer Erickson, associate director for business and finance, delivered keynote remarks by executive director Ginger Velazquez, who was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
West-Henkelman began her career at the Urbana campus as an office support specialist with the department of electrical and computer engineering in 2018. Three years later, she transferred to the Gies College of Business to work with the Hoeft Technology and Management Program. She has served in her current position since January 2022.
Illinois Administrative Professionals seeks to build collegiality, promote professional advancement and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas among employees in certain civil service classifications.
Founded in 1948 as the Secretariat, the group voted to change its name in 2018 to better reflect the evolving roles and responsibilities of those it represents.