Haynes named first recipient of Davis Leadership Award

Lisa Haynes, associate vice president of Facilities Services Grand Rapids and Regional Centers, is the first recipient of the Gayle R. Davis Excellence in Leadership Award.

President Thomas J. Haas and former provost Gayle Davis presented Haynes with a plaque and a check for $1,000 at a surprise ceremony January 16 at the Bicycle Factory on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Haas said the Davis Award is given to someone who is a positive agent of change.  

"This award represents someone who excels at fostering collaborative process, diverse perspectives and innovative change," said Haas, "and that certainly describes Lisa during her years of service at the university."

Haynes leads the university's transportation system which has positively affected students, faculty and staff. She has served on many campus committees and work groups, ranging from parking and transportation to preparing for new buildings. 

Her involvement in the community has been instrumental in developing positive relationships between Grand Valley and area neighbors and businesses. She is president of the West Fulton Business Association, secretary of West Side Corridor Improvement District and attends committee meetings for the West Side and Belknap neighborhoods. In the past, she has served on The Rapid Board and held the position of vice chair. 

Haynes was nominated by Sue Palazzolo from Facilities Services. Members of the President's Cabinet selected Haynes from a list of nominees.

The award is named for Davis, who served as provost and executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs from 2002-2017. Davis retired from Grand Valley in 2017.