23 May 2023

Cecilia O’Brien Recognized for Extraordinary Teamwork, Leadership, and Inspiration

2023 Q1 Wave the Flag Winner

Geneva recognizes excellence in employees who go above and beyond the normal scope of their work while demonstrating Geneva’s core values and advancing military medicine. The Wave the Flag award is presented quarterly to an employee who exceeds expectations and exhibits Geneva’s core values: Innovation, Quality, Superior Customer Service, Integrity, Teamwork, and Respect for All.

The 2023 Q1 Wave the Flag award was received by Cecilia O’Brien a Research Laboratory Manager at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) in Frederick, MD. Cecilia was nominated by a fellow colleague for exhibiting Geneva’s core values of Integrity, Superior Customer Service, Innovation, Teamwork, and Respect for All.

“Cecilia never shies away from a challenge and she has faced many of the organizational challenges in our group head-on and with a positive attitude that has resulted in some incredible results in just a year,” states colleague Stephanie Monticelli. “Her changes have dramatically improved the functioning of our group and enabled us to better advance Geneva’s mission. Cecilia is also constantly encouraging others around her to uphold the Geneva core value of teamwork and work together to achieve their goals.”

Other fellow colleagues provided great feedback, stating that Cecilia has become a huge asset to the group and is developing great leadership in her new role. She also coordinated a complete reorganization of the laboratory spaces, updated internal ordering and supply management processes, and developed a fiscal management system to maximize operational efficiencies.

Congratulations Cecilia and the other Q1 nominees!

Haymanot Yalewayker, Program Manager, Fort Belvoir, VA

James Martinez, Research Assistant, WRNMMC, Bethesda, MD