UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Debbie Henley

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am the Manager of Support Services in the Information Technology (IT) department at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
After I finished my Marketing & Management degree at Northern Michigan University I knew I wanted to stay in the area. I started looking at career opportunities at what was then Marquette General. The hospital offered a lot of compelling career paths and I thought it would be a stimulating work environment. I wanted to make a difference and contribute to the hospital "behind the scenes."

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
We do not have many typical days in IT. We can plan out our daily tasks but very quickly plans can change and you need to pivot in a different direction. I normally plan my team's day by assigning and prioritizing work tickets in our support queue. I have a good pulse on issues that arise during the day, I triage most all high-priority tickets that are escalated by our Enterprise Service Desk or self-serve customers. I supervise my wonderful support team, track performances, and ensure that excellent customer service standards are maintained.

I love this field of work; I'm eager to learn new technologies and best practices as we troubleshoot problems in the ever-changing world of IT. There is always something new to learn.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I just finished my 37th year this past May. I began my career working in the Laboratory, then joined IT as an application specialist. Next, I started a supervisory role in Radiology, before finally returning to my calling in the IT department — first as a Senior System Analyst and later promoted to my current position.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
There are always lots of new emerging technologies in the IT world. I would say some of the big changes were upgrading around 1900 devices to the Windows 10 operating system. More recently, we have initiated moving computers and employees to the LifePoint Health domain and moving some applications to the cloud technology. The COVID-19 pandemic has opened many different venues from an IT standpoint; from employees working remotely to utilizing virtual meetings on a regular basis. 

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Barrel Racing! My biggest interest outside of work is training and competing on my horses. I have recently started breeding a few of my own horses and will bring them up through the ranks. My husband and I enjoy traveling and seeing the many scenic attractions in the United States. One of my favorite local gems is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
Working in a hospital IT department is very gratifying. I like to help the employees of the organization with their computer problems and technical issues. I love to learn new systems and techniques — which is never-ending. I have a very supportive team and they bring energy and a sense of humor to the workplace, which makes coming to work a pleasure.