Ariel Dunster Kovach

Director of Operations Department of Surgery @University of Colorado Anschutz

Aurora, CO, US

Oversees a broad influential portfolio, including supervision of key managers and administrative staff, budget and contract management, workflow optimization, emergency preparedness, and administration of essential scheduling and resource systems. Serves as a central operational leader and trusted partner to faculty, staff, and enterprise collaborators, ensuring efficient processes, strong compliance, and seamless coordination across a complex organization. Works closely with the Chair, Executive Vice Chair, and Executive Committee to define and implement departmental priorities, support faculty affairs and engagement, and advance initiatives through structured planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring. Oversight of communications, facilities, IT, space, and safety further positions this role as a key architect of departmental infrastructure. Key Responsibilities:• Oversee department operations, major projects, enterprise operations liaison duties, and emergency preparedness• Manage budgets, contracts, official functions, institutional memberships, Qgenda scheduling, and parking allocations• Ensure HR policy compliance, support employee relations, and collaborate on faculty appointments, promotions, and engagement• Support professional development, access, and engagement initiatives• Oversee communications, branding, policy compliance, IT, facilities, and operational audits; coordinate space, assets, safety, and construction projects• Provide operational and leadership support to the Executive Committee and Executive Vice Chair, including job descriptions, performance goals, and incentive planning• Partner with leadership on strategic planning, initiative budgets, progress monitoring, and cross-functional alignment• Lead department-level meetings, including agendas, minutes, and attendance• Oversee clinical quality and safety programs; represent the department, act as delegate when needed, and perform other duties as assigned

Texas Woman's University

Master's Degree, Health/Health Care Administration/Management

Sam Houston State University

Bachelor's Degree, Kinesiology and Exercise Science