Employee Recognitions: Fall 2023

We recognize the talent, drive, and dedication of Enterprises employees year-round with awards, which are a part of our employee recognition initiatives. This edition, we’re featuring the individuals who won the Better Together and Heppenstall Leadership Awards.

Better Award: Rosheema Bala

The Better Award winner is an individual who strives to make UPMC Enterprises better through their work, collaborations, or other contributions. They embody a spirit of innovation, bring fresh ideas, and produce results that positively impact Enterprises.

What are your responsibilities as a Senior Analyst on the Translational Sciences team?

As a Senior Analyst on the Translational Sciences team, my responsibilities include performing due diligence on investment opportunities to comprehensively assess the viability of the business and the science, with the goal of identifying opportunities that are primed to innovate and bring the highest value to patients. I also dedicate my time to supporting our portfolio companies and enhancing our understanding of less explored areas for potential investments and innovation.

What motivates you to go above and beyond at UPMC Enterprises?

I’m motivated to go above and beyond at UPMC Enterprises because I have the chance to make a meaningful impact on health care, prioritize the patient, and put capital to best use. With the primary goal of creating life-changing medicine, where people are at the heart of our mission, it becomes easy to make every effort to leave a meaningful impact on health care.

What would you say if you were to give a (mini) award acceptance speech (think the Oscars)?

I want to thank my incredible team for their energy and passion in driving health care forward with science, constantly encouraging us to think beyond the norm. In the world of innovation, we know that if you don’t innovate, you don’t get better, and I’m truly excited to be part of an organization that wholeheartedly embraces that philosophy.

Together Award: Margo Malone

The Together Award winner is an individual who works towards fostering a sense of togetherness at UPMC Enterprises through their work or other contributions.

What are your responsibilities as a Senior Analyst on the Translational Sciences team?

I spend most of my time doing diligence and building out the investment thesis for our early pipeline projects and later stage traditional venture investments. I also spend time focused on understanding the Women’s Health landscape and building our portfolio with Anna, Kelsey, and Rosheema.

What motivates you to go above and beyond at UPMC Enterprises?

I am motivated by all my hard-working colleagues and to work to make an impact in patient’s lives through our investments.

What would you say if you were to give a (mini) award acceptance speech (think the Oscars)?

I would thank Matthias and Jeanne for forming this group and shoutout UPMC Enterprises for all the amazing work that impacts the Pittsburgh Life Sciences and health care ecosystems and beyond.

Congrats to Rosheema and Margo on winning the Better Together awards!

Heppenstall Leadership Award: Jeff Jones

The Heppenstall Leadership Award recognizes a UPMC Enterprises leader who embraces mentorship, sets the example for people-leadership, and adds value to others because they truly value others. One leader is selected each year who works to make their team the very best by approaching work in a way that celebrates and motivates the unique and talented individuals who make up our diverse business unit.

What are your responsibilities as a Senior VP of Product Development?

As the Senior Vice President of Product Development at UPMC Enterprises, I am deeply committed to sculpting the future trajectory of our organization. Embracing the gravity of my role, I lead strategic planning and analysis, diligently identifying, studying, and at times forecasting industry trends. This approach is vital in ensuring our Technology Services division not only aligns seamlessly with our partners needs but also reinforces the foundation of UPMC Enterprises investment initiatives.

I focus heavily on fostering an environment of leadership and support, cultivating the exceptional talents within UPMC Enterprises. This empowers our team to continuously enhance our service delivery and software solutions, a key factor in securing and elevating our partners’ competitive standing in the commercial market. My role is not just about overseeing development; it’s about inspiring and driving forward a collective vision of excellence and innovation in health care technology.

What motivates you to go above and beyond at UPMC Enterprises?

At UPMC Enterprises, my motivation to consistently go above and beyond is fueled by the dual opportunity to impact both our partners and our internal teams. The prospect of guiding and witnessing the transformation of our portfolio companies is exhilarating. Each investment is more than a financial decision; it’s a commitment to nurture and elevate innovative solutions in health care technology. This stewardship offers a unique chance to be at the forefront of change, shaping the future of health care alongside our partners. The success of our endeavors not only validates our strategic choices but also creates a ripple effect of advancements and improvements in health care outcomes. This impactful influence on the industry’s landscape is a powerful motivator, driving me to constantly seek new horizons and possibilities.

Similarly, the opportunity to cultivate growth and development within UPMC Enterprises itself is equally inspiring. Our employees are the backbone of our success, and fostering their professional growth is a responsibility I cherish. By creating an environment that encourages innovation, learning, and collaboration, we empower our team members to reach their full potential. This not only benefits our internal operations but also extends to our partners, as they receive support from a team that’s not only skilled but also passionate and forward-thinking. Witnessing the personal and professional growth of our employees and knowing that UPMC Enterprises plays a key role in their career journey adds a profound sense of fulfillment to my role. In this symbiotic ecosystem of growth and innovation, the success of our partners and the advancement of our employees go hand in hand, reinforcing my commitment to excel and push boundaries at UPMC Enterprises.

What would you say if you were to give a (mini) award acceptance speech (think the Oscars)?

Winning the inaugural Tal Heppenstall Leadership Award is an honor that truly humbles me. This recognition is not just a testament to my efforts but a reflection of the incredible support and collaboration from those around me. I owe a significant part of this achievement to Brent Burns and Jeanne Cunicelli, under whose guidance I have been able to flourish. Their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my journey at UPMC Enterprises.

I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to both the UPMC Enterprises Human Resources and Marketing teams. Your relentless backing in the face of complex strategic challenges has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your support has enabled me to navigate through intricate pathways and towards meaningful accomplishments.

The heart of this accolade, however, belongs to Digital Solutions. Your exceptional talent, passion, and commitment to redefining our team’s impact on the broader UPMC system are truly inspiring. It is your dedication that drives our collective success and makes my role at UPMC Enterprises both rewarding and impactful.

On a personal note, having known Tal Heppenstall for around a decade, as a supervisor, mentor, and friend, this award holds a special significance. Tal’s legacy is one of excellence and inspiration, and to be the first recipient of an award in his name is an honor that goes beyond words. When the award was first announced, I saw it as a brilliant tribute to a man greatly esteemed by many, including myself.

I never anticipated being the first recipient of this prestigious award. This recognition is a commitment that I hold dearly, and I promise to continue striving towards excellence, upholding the values of UPMC, and honoring Mr. Heppenstall’s legacy. Thank you, UPMC Enterprises, for this incredible honor. I am motivated more than ever to contribute to our shared vision and goals.

Congrats to Jeff on winning the Heppenstall Leadership award!