Get to know people in our UVA community–students, engineers, professors, researchers, and medical professionals–who are making impactful changes, both big and small, toward our ten bold sustainability goals. Meet Colette, who is set to retire this June after 43 years of dedicated service to UVA!
Meet Colette Sheehy!
What is your role at UVA?
I serve as Senior Vice President for Operations & State Government Relations. My organization includes Business Services, Facilities Management, Office of the Architect for the University, Office of the University Building Official, and State Government Relations. I have been at UVA for 43 years.
What is your hometown?
Freehold, NJ
What are some things you are doing to support UVA’s 2030 Sustainability Plan?
Until recently, I served as one of the co-chairs of the University’s Committee on Sustainability, which plays an advisory role for the work of the Office of Sustainability and its partners across Grounds. I also facilitate conversations with executive leadership and the Board of Visitors around the great work in Sustainability at UVA and advocate for leadership support for these efforts.
Where can we find you on Grounds?
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Working with members of my team, who collectively lead the University’s capital program and sustainability efforts; deliver essential services to the UVA community (housing, dining, transit, mail, Bookstore, etc.); and develop and maintain relationships with state government officials
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Depending on the time of year you can find me driving back and forth on Interstate 64 for meetings in Richmond with state officials.
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Touring new capital projects across Grounds
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Participating in events recognizing the contributions of team members
What tip do you have for people who want to take action?
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Collaboration with colleagues across Grounds is essential; it’s important to know the work that others have already done, including what has been successful and what has needed refinement.
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Don’t shy away from creative, imaginative, and out-of-the-box solutions, and persevere even if others seem skeptical.
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Be an example for others.
What are some fun facts about you?
- Bruce Springsteen is from my hometown and grew up a few blocks from my home.
- I met my husband on a blind date.
- I love to do jigsaw puzzles.