We are pleased to feature Deborah A. Blake, MBA, a dedicated Project Coordinator in the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Office at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore. Debbie has been a valued member of UPMC since 1982, beginning her career in an administrative support role at UPMC Eye and Ear Hospital (now the UPMC Vision Institute) and UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore. She later transitioned to UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, where she advanced to Program Manager of the Community Treatment Team.
In 2011, Debbie joined our department, initially supporting both anesthesiology physicians and CRNAs at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore. She later advanced into her current role as Project Coordinator for the CRNA Office, where she provides critical administrative support for over 100 CRNAs and works closely with the CRNA Clinical Director and Associate CRNA Directors to ensure the office is efficiently managed.
Debbie holds an Associate of Science degree from Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from Geneva College, and in 2020, she earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Geneva College.
We invite you to learn more about Debbie’s journey and contributions in the Q&A below.
Where are you from?
I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I grew up in Beltzhoover, a neighborhood in the South Hills area.
How long have you been working in your current position in our department?
I have been in the department since 2011. I first worked in the C-200 suite at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore with the anesthesiologists. When an administrative position for the CRNAs at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore became open, I came to assist and never left. I was promoted to Project Coordinator shortly after assuming the position, and I give credit in large part to my bachelor’s degree in human resources which helped position me for success in the new role.
Tell us briefly about your job/role in the dept.
I play a key role in the administrative operations of our clinical team, working closely with the CRNA Clinical Director and Associate CRNA Clinical Directors to ensure seamless functioning of the office. As the office manager in this dynamic clinical setting, I provide essential support to optimize efficiency and workflow. I oversee financial processes and expense reports for CRNAs, review and reconcile employee time records, and manage e-procurement, ensuring the timely acquisition of office supplies and necessary clinical items to support daily operations. My role also involves coordinating and facilitating meetings, securing conference rooms, and preparing reports for distribution to key stakeholders. I oversee access and credentialing processes, ensuring that new student registered nurse anesthetists and new hires have the necessary system permissions and credentials to begin their roles effectively.
Who or what inspires you, and why?
I love caring for people and have always wanted to work where people need help. I love working with the nurse anesthetists, who are a very special group of people who care for their patients and each other. Their tenacity and desire to care for their patients and their families are inspiring. I have watched them get married and start families while still working long hours. The CRNAs and the Anesthesiology Department at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore have inspired me, because helping people is what caring is all about.
What has been your proudest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
I have always had the desire to start an on-site daycare for staff who work non-traditional hours before I retire. I was able to meet with the Vice President of Human Resources to propose an employee retention program that offers on-site daycare as an employee benefit and an incentive to keep staff. She seemed interested, and I hope that it is something that we can offer to our team in the future. Having the opportunity to have someone hear my ideas was a major milestone.
What has been your proudest personal accomplishment?
I was able to earn my MBA during the initial stage of the COVID pandemic in 2020. It was not easy, but I did it, and I hope I can use my degree and experience to help others.
Who have been your most significant mentors throughout your career and/or life and why?
My parents, Viola and Fred Blake, who always encouraged me to do my best. Nancy Soso, who was the Director of Medical Records at UPMC Eye & Ear Hospital, gave me a chance when my son was only three years old and I was a single mom trying to better my family. Helen Defranco, former CRNA Clinical Director at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore, always gave me good advice and a listening ear. My chemistry teacher at CCAC was a great mentor, supporting me through a difficult time when my dad was dying, my mom was diagnosed with cancer, and I was pursuing my nursing degree while also caring for them.
Are there any professional or personal skills you’re currently working on that you can tell us about?
At my church, I completed an entrepreneurial class called the NOBLES Academy, where I presented my vision for opening an intergenerational daycare serving infants, toddlers, and senior citizens. I am hoping to bring back the family unit and build an environment where adults with young children and aging parents can go to receive care.
What might the department be surprised to know about you?
I don’t know if this is a surprise, but I have four grandchildren, ages 11, 13, 15, and 16. My son just turned 46 years old and works at UPMC Mercy, continuing a proud family tradition of service.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I spend time with my family and church friends. I recently made wedding invitations for a church friend and will also be assisting with flowers for her wedding. I also work in my church nursery every Sunday and enjoy caring for the babies and toddlers.
How do you balance your work and personal life?
It’s not too hard since I leave work at work. Once I complete my work duties, I enjoy watching television, mostly Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, during the week, watching my grandchildren sometimes, reading, and attending church and bible study.
What advice would you give to new administrative staff joining our department?
It is okay to ask questions, which is how you grow. Remember the Golden Rule, the principle of treating others as one would want to be treated by them. Dignity and respect go a long way. If you need help - just ask. This is a great department to work for, where doing your best is recognized and valued.