The Model Supervisor Award

The annual Model Supervisor Award, established in 2007, is given to Penn supervisors who demonstrate exemplary behaviors and serve as outstanding role models. They fulfill the University’s principles and practices through their leadership. 

Model Supervisor Practices

The Selection Committee identifies Model Supervisors based on their noteworthy ability to:

• Act as leaders who serve
• Grow opportunity and strengthen community through the promotion of well-being, work-life integration, and personal and professional development opportunities
• Cultivate leadership and service by sustaining a collaborative and constructive workplace
• Support a diverse workplace by using fair and consistent procedures, and by treating everyone with dignity, respect and integrity
• Lead on great challenges by creating solutions, removing unnecessary barriers to achievement, and communicating goals and expectations clearly to maintain staff accountability

2024 Model Supervisors

Erin Brown, Division of Human Resources

Erin Brown, Director of the Penn Employee Solution Center, is a dedicated, encouraging, and heartfelt leader. Erin elevates every conversation and situation she touches by never losing sight of the human element in Human Resources. She has raised the profile of the Penn Employee Solution Center as an outstanding service while supporting the development, engagement, and well-being of the employees on her team.

Sharon Fleshman, Student Services

Sharon Fleshman, Senior Associate Director in Career Services, exemplifies confident, compassionate, and thoughtful leadership, supervising a team dedicated to supporting students in helping professions. Sharon demonstrates a clear passion for social justice and DEI in her work. Her commitment to the professional development of staff on her team is evident from the success they enjoy in their careers.

Jane Holahan, Student Services

Jane Holahan, Director of the Weingarten Learning Resource Center, has proven herself a transformative leader, developing the Weingarten Center into a unified department known as “Penn’s Home for Academic Support and Disability Services” while showing deep care and dedication in supporting both staff and students through unprecedented challenges. 

Adam Roth-Saks, School of Social Policy and Practice