Pam Benci, Frank Marcinkiewicz and the School of Music, Theatre and Dance Wellness Committee are examples of how one person or one group can make an impact. All were recognized at the May 20 MHealthy Champion Retreat for their outstanding work in fostering a culture of well-being in the workplace.
Pam Benci: Dr. Robert Winfield Champion Award Recipient
The Dr. Robert A. Winfield Champion Award, created in honor of U-M’s first chief health officer, recognizes MHealthy Champions who go above and beyond in their roles to create a positive culture of health within their department or work unit.
This year’s winner is Pam Benci from the Internal Medicine Cardiology (BMC2 Collaborative Quality Initiative) at Michigan Medicine. Pam is an exceptional MHealthy Champion who brings integrity, warmth and creativity to everything she does. She continually finds meaningful ways to integrate well-being into her work and support the health of her colleagues. Each year, Pam works with her team to define a wellness focus, organizing engaging lunch-and-learns on topics such as financial planning, physical wellness, personal safety, self-compassion, yoga, meditation and healthy eating.
Pam’s impact extends beyond wellness education. She creates opportunities for volunteering, community service, team-building and recognition, helping foster a culture of inclusion, connection and care. From coordinating food drives and service projects to celebrating staff milestones and sharing a thoughtful weekly MHealthy digest, Pam consistently goes above and beyond. Her genuine commitment has made her team stronger, more connected and healthier.
Runners up for the Robert A. Winfield Champion Award include Jaelan McDonald from Facilities and Operations and Tina Mead from the College of Pharmacy.
Left to right: Karen Schmidt, senior director, Health and Well-being Services; Alison Nix, associate director, MHealthy; 2026 Robert A. Winfield Champion Award winner Pam Benci, Internal Medicine Cardiology; Jovita Thomas-Williams, chief human resources officer, Michigan Medicine and 2024 Champion Award winner Stephen King.
School of Music, Theatre and Dance Wellness Committee: LaVaughn Palma-Davis Wellness Committee Award Recipient
The LaVaughn Palma-Davis Wellness Committee Award, created in honor of MHealthy's first senior director, recognizes Champion-led wellness committees that work to positively affect the culture of health for the populations they serve.
This year’s winner is the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) Wellness Committee, led by MHealthy Champions Paola Savvidou and Catherine Matuza. Although the committee is small, it has built a thoughtful and sustainable culture of well-being for students, faculty and staff. It offers practical, inclusive support that addresses the unique physical, mental and emotional demands of musicians, performing artists and the many staff who support them.
With support from MHealthy grants and SMTD funding, the committee has expanded access to onsite hand screenings, wellness kit bins, mini-massages, yoga, meditation, movement classes, nutrition workshops and regular wellness communications. Their equity-minded approach and strong campus partnerships help community members feel seen, supported and empowered to prioritize their well-being.
The runner up for the LaVaughn Palma-Davis Wellness Committee Award is U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation Wellness Committee.
Left to right: Karen Schmidt; Alison Nix; Paola Savvidou and Catherine Matuza, School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) Wellness Committee members; Jovita Thomas-Williams; and Leah Vergotin, who represented the 2024 Wellness Committee Award winner.
Frank Marcinkiewicz: MHealthy Supportive Leader in Well-being Award
The MHealthy Supportive Leader in Well-being Award was created to recognize supportive supervisors who encourage their MHealthy Champions to continue to improve the culture of well-being in their areas. This is the award’s inaugural year.
This year’s winner is Frank Marcinkiewicz, director of Hospital Facilities Planning and Development. Frank exemplifies supportive leadership through his consistent commitment to employee well-being, inclusion and workplace culture. Since joining the department in September 2023, he has actively elevated MHealthy efforts by making space for wellness updates in staff meetings, encouraging participation, supporting new ideas and reinforcing that well-being is an essential part of a healthy, effective work environment.
Frank’s leadership has led to meaningful, visible impact, from supporting an MHealthy grant for a massage chair shared across the building to championing team-building activities such as Team CANnection, office Olympics, Wednesday Wind Down and after-work pickleball. He also models respect and flexibility through ergonomic support, schedule adjustments, remote work options and clear boundaries around personal time. His people-centered approach has strengthened connection, morale and belonging across the department.
Runners up for the MHealthy Supportive Leader in Well-being Award include Mollie Bodin from Internal Medicine - Cardiology at MIchigan Medicine and Cynthia Hudgins from ADVANCE Program.
The winning Champion, leader and Wellness Committee received a trophy and monetary gift card.
Left to right: Karen Schmidt; Alison Nix; Jane Kent, MHealthy Champion for Hospital Facilities Planning and Development; 2026 MHealthy Supportive Leader in Well-being Award winner Frank Marcinkiewicz, Hospital Facilities Planning and Development; and Jovita Thomas-Williams.
Interested in Becoming an MHealthy Champion?
More than 500 staff and faculty currently volunteer as MHealthy Champions. MHealthy is currently accepting applications now through July 31. Any benefits-eligible staff or faculty member can apply.
To learn more about the program and learn how you can apply to become a Champion, visit the MHealthy website.