Carnegie Mellon University

Lean six sigma concept on laptop

May 11, 2022

Lean Six Sigma Graduates Latest Cohort

During the early months of 2022, CMU’s third Lean Six Sigma (LSS) cohort of fifteen participants completed the Green Belt Process Improvement Program they started in June 2021. The LSS training program is designed to teach administrative teams how to collect and use data for improving processes. Participants of the program ultimately apply their new skills and knowledge to a project based on a real university opportunity for improvement. The LSS training program, introduced in 2018 by the Office of Human Resources (OHR), has continued to take shape, evolving from the original design to accommodate the logistical challenges faced by the last two cohorts due to COVID-19 pandemic. 

The LSS Program and Projects

This year’s LSS training program consisted of eight days of virtual training sessions, which were expanded upon through virtual consulting sessions to help participants apply what was taught. The virtual training and consultation sessions were led by LSS senior consultant Rick Schleusener, who lends over thirty years of expertise to the program. Session topics included Working in a Top-Tier Research University; Strategy, Vision and Impact; Inclusive Leadership; and Building Leadership Competency for the Future. Session presentations were provided by deans, vice presidents, and functional leaders and subject matter experts from across the university. 

The training was followed by guided research related to assigned group projects. Participants concluded the program with presentations to the project sponsors and senior leadership within the impacted college or division. Each presentation provided a review of the research conducted, an analysis of the data, and recommendations for process improvement. This year’s cohort was tasked with seeking improvements to the following projects:

  • Integrate Workday Direct Deposit Information with Oracle for Expense Reports, sponsored by the Finance Division
  • University Advancement Onboarding Process, sponsored by University Advancement
  • Student Worker I-9 Compliance, sponsored by the Office of Human Resources

All three of the project teams experienced challenges in collecting data and other aspects of the projects due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other logistical complications; however, adjustments were made to the timeline and requirements as needed. Additional check-in meetings were scheduled with the consultant to discuss the status of each project as participants progressed through the program. Ultimately, the project teams successfully reported their findings and recommendations to their sponsors and other leaders.

2021–22 Graduates

Please help us congratulate and acknowledge our most recent Lean Six Sigma graduates!

  • Maria Alexandrov (Business Applications Development and Support)
  • Missy Carrozza (HR Operations)
  • Daniel Corletti (HR Operations)
  • Evan Cvejkus (International Finance)
  • Brandon Davis (Sponsored Project Accounting)
  • Emily Dennis (University Advancement)
  • Tony Downs (University Advancement)
  • Michael Elmer (University Budget and Financial Planning)
  • Shawn Facchiano (Procurement Services)
  • Matthew McCabe (HR Benefits)
  • Uzwala Sajja (Enterprise Applications)
  • Andrew Schilffarth (Center for Business Engagement)
  • Siobhan Sullivan (Cost Analysis)
  • Karen Van Dusen (Enterprise Applications)
  • Katie Varrati (Financial Reporting)

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are strongly encouraged and supported in taking the Green Belt certification exam through the International Association of Lean Six Sigma Certification, an independent organization that facilitates testing for groups and individuals who have completed recognized training.