Voting is now open for the 2025 CaRCC Contributor of the Year award. This first annual award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to CaRCC over the past year through leadership, service, and dedication to advancing the research computing and data (RCD) community. Whether through working group leadership, operational support, strategic initiatives, or community building, each nominee has strengthened CaRCC’s mission and impact in meaningful ways.
We’re honored to present five outstanding candidates, each nominated by their CaRCC colleagues for the significant ways they’ve contributed to our community. Read about their achievements below, then cast your vote for the person you believe made the greatest impact helping CaRCC in 2025.
Voting closes Friday, December 5, and the winner will be announced during the CaRCC Year-End Party on Thursday, December 11at 1pm ET.
Good luck choosing just one!
Important! You must be a member of the CaRCC People Network through Wild Apricot and logged in to vote!
Meet the Candidates
Brian Haymore
HPC Systems Engineer & Team Manager, University of Utah Center for High Performance Computing
The Steady, Humble Heart of CaRCC’s Systems Community
Brian Haymore embodies what makes CaRCC work: consistent leadership, genuine care for community, and the humility to let others shine. As longtime Co-Chair of the Systems-Facing Track, he’s built one of CaRCC’s strongest and most sustainable communities—attracting diverse steering committee members and creating an environment where collaboration feels effortless.
His impact extends far beyond a single track. Brian has been instrumental in workforce development initiatives, particularly the student programs at PEARC, where his custom-designed 3D-printed challenge coins became beloved symbols of the experience. He sponsors CaRCC’s Zoom license, creates promotional materials, and shows up wherever help is needed—always with a perceptive eye for what will move the community forward.
As one nominating colleague notes, Brian “treats us and our ideas with respect at all times. It’s honestly a joy to collaborate with him and a relief that such a collaboration can be so easy.” Another adds that Brian “fosters supportive environments wherever he shows up, while at the same time pushing those around him to work smarter, do more, and drive their own ambitions forward.”
When Brian was notified of this nomination, he expressed doubt that he was qualified, despite all his strong contributions to CaRCC. Once again, his genuine humility and servant-leader attitude shone through — making him a fitting candidate for this award!
Timothy Middelkoop
Senior Research Engagement Engineer, Internet2
The Backbone of CaRCC Operations & RCD Professional Development Champion
Timothy Middelkoop represents the essential but often invisible work that makes CaRCC function. For over three years, he’s provided the operational backbone that enables community success—managing Wild Apricot, Slack, and Google systems while troubleshooting technical issues that most members never see.
His strategic leadership extends beyond logistics. As former co-chair of the Staff Workforce Development Interest Group, Timothy led its merger with the Student Interest Group, strengthening career pathway support across the RCD community. Now co-chairing the AI Facilitation Materials Working Group, he’s helped create webinars and resources reaching thousands of professionals navigating one of the field’s most critical challenges.
A nominating colleague captures his impact perfectly: “He’s not as loud as other folks (literally and figuratively), so most folks don’t see him as a face of CaRCC, but he definitely is a big part of it.” At PEARC ’25 alone, Timothy led workshops, co-presented the Town Hall, and delivered sessions on AI facilitation—all while co-authoring publications advancing RCD practice.
Another nominator notes, Timothy “carries the very spirit of CaRCC in him—collaboration, community, and everything research computing.”
Chris Reidy
Research Facilitation Manager, University of Arizona
An Enthusiastic Bridge-Builder Across the RCD Ecosystem
Chris Reidy has become one of CaRCC’s most reliable and impactful contributors in 2025, leading efforts to make the organization more inclusive and accessible to members from non-R1 institutions. As Co-Chair of the Engagement Operations Group and an active member of multiple groups—including the Professionalization Working Group —Chris has expanded CaRCC’s reach and strengthened its community fabric.
His leadership of the BeyondR1 initiative addresses a critical gap in research computing support, ensuring that smaller institutions have a voice and a pathway into the community. Chris has also been instrumental in supporting RCD Nexus Day and CaRCC’s Monthly Welcome events, creating consistent touchpoints for new members.
As a nominating colleague notes, Chris “is always among the first to volunteer to help and does so with a friendly and enthusiastic attitude.” His combination of strategic initiative and genuine warmth has made CaRCC more welcoming and effective—exactly the kind of contribution that defines this award.
Ashley Stauffer
Associate Director of Solution Alignment, Penn State University Office of Research Information Systems
A Strategic Leader & Advocate of RCD Professionalization
Ashley Stauffer has been a consistent force in CaRCC’s evolution from grassroots community to professional organization. As Co-Chair of the RCD Professionalization Working Group, CaRCC Advisory Board member, and former Financial Models Group member she’s helped shape our fundamental understanding of the research computing and data (RCD) profession and supported CaRCC’s evolution toward obtaining 501(c)(3) status.
Her most significant contribution this year has been co-leading the workforce survey—a foundational effort to understand the RCD profession through data. This analysis provides the evidence base CaRCC needs to advocate for the community, inform policy, and support career development initiatives. It’s meticulous, essential work that will influence how institutions structure and support research computing roles for years to come.
Beyond the survey, Ashley brings strategic clarity to CaRCC’s operations. As a nominating colleague notes, she “finds time and energy to contribute and help guide other efforts at CaRCC, including helping keep us on track at the leadership retreat.” Her involvement consistently brings project management rigor and strategic thinking to complex organizational challenges.
Ashley exemplifies the leadership CaRCC needs as it professionalizes—combining vision with execution, and data with advocacy.
Michael Weiner
Senior Research Scientist and Research Computing Facilitator, Georgia Institute of Technology
A Collaborative Architect of CaRCC Infrastructure for RCD Professional Growth
Michael Weiner has transformed CaRCC’s approach to professional development by creating a lasting infrastructure that serves the entire RCD community. As Workforce Development Co-Chair—first leading the Staff group, then guiding the strategic merger of Staff and Student initiatives—Michael has expanded career pathway support across all stages of RCD practice.
His leadership of the Collaborative Catalog for Research Computing and Data Professional Development represents exactly the kind of practical, community-wide resource CaRCC needs. This shared catalog helps RCD professionals find training and growth opportunities across institutions, breaking down silos and making professional development more accessible. Michael presented twice at PEARC ’25 on this work and co-led the Workforce Development track at RCD Nexus Day, translating strategic conversations into actionable initiatives.
As a nominating colleague notes, “Michael stands out as an open, collegial, and collaborative leader. He works across organizational boundaries—coordinating with CaRCC, Campus Champions, and the NAIRR Pilot—to provide support and resources that serve the whole RCD ecosystem.”
Michael exemplifies leadership that builds capacity for others—creating systems, resources, and partnerships that will continue serving the community long after individual projects end.