IT Service Management Analyst I Bob Martin has been selected as the 2025 WashU IT Person of ImpacT Award winner. This prestigious award honors individuals who exemplify the IT strategic plan, ImpacT.
Since the launch of the plan in March 2023, individuals have been nominated by their peers, coworkers and managers. They are recognized for their significant influence on colleagues, the institution, and the broader community through exceptional actions, contributions and choices.
Martin joined WashU IT in July 2024, after a recommendation from Jerri Gaither, an IT Service Management Analyst I. He and Gaither had worked together for a previous employer. Reflecting on his journey, Martin shared he was looking for his next career move, and “once I saw the job at WashU, I thought, ‘This is what I want to do.’ It felt like all the stars had aligned for me in my career.” His enthusiasm and commitment to his new role quickly became apparent to everyone he worked with.
The Person of ImpacT Award recognizes those who go above and beyond in their roles, making a meaningful difference in their interactions and contributions. Martin will receive a $500 award to fund an experience of his choosing.
Out of 49 nominees, Martin was selected by the Senior Leadership Team and recently honored with the award by Vice Chancellor for Technology and Chief Information Officer Jessie Minton during the February IT All Hands meeting. The All Hands audience was given a set of clues to use to identify the recipient, and individuals named their guesses in the meeting chat.
Martin’s nominators spoke very highly of his impact on them and the institution. Alyssa Todd, Business Analyst IV, remarked, “Any chance I get to work with Bob makes my day. His depth of knowledge within ServiceNow is an asset to both the ITAM (Asset Management) program and external stakeholders. His curiosity to learn and improve, and his kind and happy demeanor are infectious. If there’s a project I can work on with Bob, I’m signing myself up.”
Echoing this sentiment, Brian Dillingham, Business Analyst III, stated, “Bob has a very high level of knowledge that he brings to our group and is always ready to help with a smile. He always brings a positive attitude to every meeting and has made my time with the group enjoyable.” Ronald Montgomery, Infrastructure Architect, added, “Bob is personable and an advocate for doing good work.”
Martin’s academic journey and diverse career path have undoubtedly contributed to his success at WashU. He holds a bachelor’s in communication with minors in theater and psychology from Millikin University and an associate’s in information technology from Brown Mackie College. Despite initial uncertainties about his career direction, these varied experiences led him to find his passion in IT.
Expressing his deep gratitude for the recognition, Martin said, “I am deeply grateful for their nomination and humbled. I love working at WashU, and I think a part of that is loving all of the people I work with. I will remember this moment for a long time.”
Part of a close team of about 20 people within End User Experience (EUX,) Martin was honored by his coworkers last week with a cake and a small party. His dedication, positive attitude and profound expertise make him a deserving recipient of the ImpacT Award.
A full list of nominees and what nominators had to say about them is available in the IT All Hands Archives for January, which are accessible through IT Staff Space.