Karen (Kay) Hecox, research operations manager in the Office of Research Support and Operations, has received the 2025 AP Contribution Award for her outstanding contributions to the WSU research community and the Office of Research.
The AP Contribution Award recognizes administrative professions who have made exceptional contributions to Washington State University and their respective areas or units.
“Kay brings an unparalleled level of expertise to the realm of financial conflict of interest (COI), skillfully navigating its myriad complexities with precision and foresight,” said Dan Nordquist, associate vice president for the Office of Research Support and Operations. “Her leadership in coordinating the COI committee is nothing short of outstanding, ensuring compliance, fostering collaboration, and addressing challenges with a proactive and informed approach.”
Nominees were selected based on their ability to demonstrate productivity, innovative problem solving, positive working relationships, and university and community service.
“Kay is an exceptional administrative professional whose contributions to WSU have been outstanding and noteworthy. She has played a critical role in managing and streamlining an enormous range of responsibilities at WSU. She took on overseeing Financial Conflict of Interest for the entire university, handling all the calls and emails, meetings, policy updates, and compliance requirements that come along wit that. Additionally, she took on the complex task of overseeing the administration and budget management of the Center for Cannabis Policy, Research, and Outreach in the OR, ensuring seamless operations in a new area for us, while navigating the challenges of a sensitive subject area,” said Derek Brown, former manager WSU Office of Research Support and Operations. “Beyond her technical and administrative expertise, Kay’s camaraderie and positive energy have made the workplace better for everyone around her.”
A total of six winners received the 2025 AP Contribution Award. Winners were awarded with $1,000 each.
“Recently our university received several requests from funding agencies to answer specific funding related queries resulting from several executive orders signed by the current presidential administration. The requests came in on a weekend with a turnaround time by Monday. Kay spent her time compiling the information, gathering pertinent policy points, and drafting answers that demonstrated our position while staying consistent across all agencies,” said Amanda Yager, associate director of research services for the Paul G. Allen School of Global Health. “Her exceptional track record and unwavering commitment to productivity, innovative problem-solving, positive working relationships, university service, and extraordinary job performance makes her a deserving candidate for the 2025 AP Contribution Award.”
Learn more about the AP Contribution Award and view highlights from previous winners from 2011-2024.