Whitney Cruey, a financial manager for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, was honored as USAMRDC's Employee of the Quarter on March 24.

"It was certainly a surprise," says Cruey, who was granted the award for her hard work during the third quarter of 2022. "So much of my job is a team effort, and that's what makes it so great."

Cruey is known within CDMRP for her keen financial acumen as well as her willingness to tackle almost any task across the organization. During the final quarter of the previous fiscal year, Cruey led efforts to obligate more than $1.4 billion dollars across more than three dozen medical programs, accomplishing the feat nearly a week before deadline. In addition, according to CDMRP Military Deputy Col. Mark Hartell, she spearheaded a massive, sprawling assessment effort across all program management and contracting offices that resulted in CDMRP having one of the lowest management overhead rates – at less than five percent – within the federal government.

"Our whole purpose is to help the Warfighter by distributing grants for a variety of different medical issues – things like cancer and TBI," says Cruey, who's been with MRDC since 2010. "CDMRP takes pride in helping provide solutions that will help the Warfighter and possibly their families as well. It's a 'big picture' kind of job, but it's all about the details as well."

Hartell is one of the many who have noticed the extra effort; he notably called Cruey's efforts "Herculean" in her nomination application. "Ms. Cruey constantly and consistently puts the mission first and exemplifies Army Core Values," he says. "Her character and dedication shine through as she inspires her team and effectively coordinates with a variety of other organizations."

For Cruey, tackling new responsibilities and finding new ways to make a difference cuts to the very center of the MRDC mission. Filling a key role while also helping to create an environment whereby others can succeed is its own reward – one that further comes with the ultimate benefit of aiding the Warfighter. Knowing that kind of success is rarely a singular effort, she is quick to thank the entire CDMRP team for both her award and the organization's continued success.

"It's working with the team, and it's also working with the scientists as well, to be around these people who have spent so much of their lives helping the Warfighter," says Cruey. "I'm happy to worry about the financial side of the house so they don't have to."