Kutztown University Names Heather Klotz the 2025 Employee of the Year

From Kutztown University

Pictured above, from left to right: Heather Klotz and Dr. Philip Cavalier, university president.

Congratulations to Heather Klotz, budget manager, Business Office, on being named the 2025 Kutztown University Employee of the Year.

Klotz was named the Employee of the Year during KU’s Faculty and Staff Convocation and Celebration on Friday, Aug. 22. Klotz, Employee of the Month for May 2025, was one of 12 finalists for the annual award.

Klotz has been with the university since 2022.

As Employee of the Year, Klotz received a $300 monetary award, an engraved crystal award, and reserved parking for one year in their preferred parking spot.

Klotz is the ninth KU Employee of the Year honoree, following Sharon Young from Information Technology in 2017, Tim Flannery from Intercollegiate Athletics in 2018, Marsha Cressman from Facilities in 2019, William Lendzinski from Clinical Services in 2020, Louis Richuitti from Facilities in 2021, Veronique Vlaun from the Honors Program in 2022, Nancy Schuck from Facilities in 2023, and Julie Smith from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2024.

Numerous staff members nominated Klotz for Employee of the Month. Their nominations can be found below.

Klotz Nominations

Tammy Moyer, Academic Affairs:

“Heather has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism in her role, making her an invaluable asset to the KU team. Her willingness to assist everyone with their budget-related questions is truly commendable. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and productive work environment aligns perfectly with the university’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. Heather’s ability to step up and contribute without hesitation demonstrates her unwavering commitment to supporting the goals of both her office and the university as a whole.

Heather manages complex financial tasks, including completing budget transfers and ensuring accurate budget allocations, which contributes to the smooth operation within departmental budgets. Her proactive approach and meticulous attention to detail have significantly enhanced the efficiency of our financial processes. In addition to her technical skills, Heather’s positive attitude and collaborative spirit have made her a pleasure to work with. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that her colleagues have the support they need.”

Cinamon Kopicki, Business Services:

“Over the past three years, Heather has consistently demonstrated professionalism, accuracy, and a deep commitment to the financial well-being of Kutztown University. In this role, Heather has overseen complex budgeting processes with remarkable attention to detail and strategic insight. Her ability to balance cost-saving initiatives with departmental needs has resulted in more streamlined operations and improved financial reporting. She has also been instrumental in using forecasting tools that have enhanced KU’s planning capabilities across multiple departments.

What truly sets Heather apart is her collaborative spirit and willingness to go above and beyond. Whether it’s mentoring KU’s faculty and staff, responding to last-minute budget requests, or offering guidance during audits, Heather approaches every challenge with a solution-focused mindset and a calm, positive attitude. Heather exemplifies the qualities we value most: integrity, efficiency, and teamwork.”

Matt Assad, Business Office:

“Heather works tirelessly with staff and faculty across campus, educating them on their budgets and answering financial questions with clarity and patience. Her welcoming, kind, and helpful demeanor makes her a joy to work with, and she positively contributes to a team environment. Heather’s ability to simplify complex budgetary matters and provide comprehensive information ensures that everyone receives the answers they need.

Heather’s dedication to her role is evident in her meticulous work to analyze and compile a balanced budget for the university, a task that requires immense skill and attention to detail. She never skips a beat, consistently delivering high-quality results.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Heather has served as a mentor to several students, sharing her knowledge and fostering their growth. Her interactions with students are always positive and encouraging, further demonstrating her commitment to our university community. Heather Klotz embodies the qualities of an outstanding employee.”

Diana LoChiatto, University Relations:

“Without Heather Klotz’ consistent patience, kindness, and diligence, I am certain I would not have successfully learned accounting skills and information necessary to succeed in my role(s) here at KU. Her generous time shared is unparalleled, and being she consistently gives this quality level of customer service, KU is tremendously blessed to have her working as our Budget Manager.

At a department level, coordinating and managing budgets is a tremendous task. Knowing Heather is at the ‘budget helm’ to guide and instruct on budgets has been invaluable to the success of my team. We know with a quick email or phone call, she will quickly reply. Building this reputation campus-wide takes intent and time, along with reliable outcomes. Heather has not only proven her commitment to the mission of the university but assisting us all meet our budget management and accounting goals.

Heather personifies what it means to be an actively contributing member of our caring community here at KU. She is always prompt, kind, and informative. She does not gatekeep information. She goes above and beyond to teach and impart budget/accounting knowledge to everyone at KU. With the volume of faculty and staff she supports — I am in awe of the quality customer service and skills she brings to us each and every day. I thank Heather not only for what she does now, but for what she has done for me specifically in the past year to get me confidentially up-to-speed, as my learning curve was steep. Without “all” of what she brings daily, I would not have succeeded.

I would be remiss to not mention the (what I can only imagine) thousands of budget transfers she manages for the university. Mine are always done within a few hours (no matter how many I might send in one afternoon). I love knowing she has my back and will not hesitate to double-check details to ensure our department needs are being met.”

The Employee of the Month program was established in 2016 through an endowment from former university president, Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson.

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