Kathy Smithneely

Kathy Smith-Neely currently serves as the Senior Administrative Partner at the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, where she plays a pivotal role in streamlining operations and fostering a collaborative environment across multiple departments. Her expertise in business operations and human resources enables her to provide comprehensive administrative support to the HR, Business Operations, and Business Intelligence teams, ensuring that daily functions run smoothly and efficiently. Kathy’s proactive approach involves managing expense reporting for Business Operations Managers, developing and updating documentation for training purposes, and overseeing critical processes such as onboarding and offboarding staff—key components that contribute to a seamless employee experience.

In her role, Kathy partners closely with the Director of Operations to optimize workflows and implement strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency. Her inquisitive nature and passion for continuous learning drive her to stay current with industry best practices, particularly in areas like customer relationship management (CRM), event planning, and data analysis using tools like Microsoft Excel and Word. She also supervises a team of five administrative staff, providing mentorship and ensuring high standards of customer service and administrative excellence.

Kathy’s skills in research, critical thinking, and effective communication support her in creating detailed documentation and training materials that serve as valuable resources for her colleagues. Her dedication to operational excellence and her ability to adapt to evolving organizational needs make her an invaluable asset to the university, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.