Executive director of development operations at UTHealth receives prestigious UT System award

The University of Texas System has selected Lisa Christison, an executive director at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth), as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Jan Richter Hopson Achievement Award.

On behalf of the UT System, Kevin J. Foyle, vice president for development and public affairs at UTHealth, presented the award to Christison during a celebration on Thursday, Jan. 24. Christison is the executive director of development operations and is one of only a few to receive this distinction.

“Lisa has been a steadfast leader with the UT System for almost 20 years, with nearly 15 of those years managing various aspects of the advancement services program in the Office of Development at UTHealth,” Foyle said. “In her role, she takes pride in looking out for the best interests of the institution and the overall system. … I can think of no one else more worthy to receive the Jan Richter Hopson Achievement Award than Lisa Christison. She continually demonstrates excellence in her duties at work and servant leadership with exceptional customer service to countless people, both with UTHealth, UT System and beyond.”

The Jan Richter Hopson Achievement Award was created by friends and colleagues across the UT System to honor Hopson upon her retirement in 2015. Hopson served as director of gift planning services in the UT System Office of External Relations, beginning her career with the system in 1988. Throughout her career, she conducted herself as an exemplary employee and was considered, much like Christison, a go-to expert for answers to complex advancement services questions and unique gift scenarios.

The award recognizes employees in the UT System who exemplify the high standards and worthy characteristics set forth by Hopson in the field of development and advancement services.

“Throughout my career at UTHealth, I have learned so much from Jan,” Christison said. “It is humbling and incredibly meaningful to be the recipient of this award in her honor.”

Christison joined UTHealth in the Office of Development in 2004. Prior to that, she served for four years at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. UTHealth and MD Anderson are part of the UT System.