Of the Year’ Recipients Shine at 14th Annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony: Volume 2

The 14th Annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony recognized outstanding members across the division, celebrating excellence, leadership and service through its “Of The Year” recipients. This series introduces you to our team members who received these awards.

 Team members may nominate their colleagues for the division’s Of The Year awards, with final selections made by the leadership team.

A Steady Voice in Critical Moments

Telecommunications Officer of the Year Mary Windham was honored for her long-standing excellence, according to her supervisor Robert Latiff.

“Senior TCO Mary Windham is deserving of Telecommunicator of the Year for her exceptional ability to deliver accurate, real-time intelligence that directly enhances officer safety and operational effectiveness,” Police Telecommunications Supervisor Latiff said. “Her versatility across all ROC functions, combined with her calm, precise communication, ensures officers receive critical information needed to make safer, more informed decisions in high-risk situations.”

Windham exemplifies reliability, professionalism, and excellence in public safety communications, Latiff said, and is a “trusted mentor who strengthens team performance and readiness while fostering a positive, cohesive work environment.”

Windham said the recognition fuels her continued dedication.

“For me, it’s not just recognition – it’s motivation to keep growing and giving my best,” she said.

Windham is driven by the knowledge that her work makes a meaningful impact. Supporting people through stressful situations and helping her team gives her a strong sense of purpose each day. Knowing others rely on her motivates her to show up with a positive attitude and give her full effort.

“I’m beyond grateful for the relationships I’ve built and guidance from my peers that have supported and believed in me along the way,” Windham said. “It reminds me that consistency, passion, and teamwork truly pay off and pushes me to continue striving for excellence.”

Driven by Purpose, Focused on Impact

Civilian Employee of the Year Vanessa Ortiz was recognized for her diligence and impact by her supervisor Robert Haynes.

“Vanessa is the type of employee that strives to not just check off that a task has been completed, Associate Director Haynes said. “Vanessa gives the attention to a task by understanding the process and inputs behind the task so that she can contribute making the task easier and more sustainable for team-members.

He described Vanessa as having drive, vigor and competence in her work.

“While it’s the expectation of all members of UT Police is to perform their duties as best as possible, Vanessa embodies this commitment and excels in completing challenging tasks from the leaders of our division,” he said.

For Ortiz, the honor reflects both her passion for the job, trust she’s earned from her colleagues, and an appreciation for the energy and passion she puts forth in her service to the division.

“I’ve always been motivated by the opportunity to be part of something greater than myself, so having that recognized feels deeply affirming,” she said. “More importantly, it represents the trust I’ve earned within the division over time.”

The Of the Year recognition carries significant meaning because, she said, it is a reflection of relationships built on consistency, accountability, and mutual respect.

“One lesson my career has continually reinforced is that you cannot fully understand an operation by focusing on processes alone,” she said. “You have to understand the people who sustain it. When you take the time to understand what motivates individuals, the pressures they navigate, and how they engage with their work, you begin to understand the system itself.

“More than that, those interactions teach you something about yourself; they challenge you to grow, adapt, and approach your work with greater perspective.”

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Together, these honorees set the standard for excellence across the division. Stay tuned as we continue this series, recognizing more “Of the Year” recipients this Thursday.

'Of the Year' Recipients Shine at 14th Annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony: Volume 1