Mary Chinnock Petroski, chief compliance officer in the UNK Office of Equity and Compliance, received the University of Nebraska Board of Regents KUDOS award during last week’s meeting.
KUDOS awards recognize university staff for their professional expertise, service and “superior dedication” to UNK and the University of Nebraska. It is the university’s top staff award.
Originally from Alliance, Chinnock Petroski earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Nebraska Wesleyan University before graduating from the University of Nebraska College of Law.
As chief compliance officer, she manages conflict of interest/conflict of commitment policy implementation; administers the Family and Medical Leave Act process; manages the EthicsPoint confidential reporting system; enforces the nondiscrimination policy; investigates civil rights complaints; oversees Title IX procedures; serves as ADA coordinator; and oversees two full-time employees: a compliance manager and Title IX specialist. Her campus and systemwide committee responsibilities are extensive, as well.
Chinnock Petroski was responsible for creating UNK’s Office of Equity and Compliance in 2017, shaping its mission and developing the staff – an experience she describes as “challenging but rewarding.” She manages the office in a way that supports individuals and ensures campus compliance with policy and legal requirements while adapting to a constantly evolving local and external environment.
“She knows her business, manages her office, and gets things done. She handles difficult situations, keeps an eye on the long term, and thinks at the strategic level. Her expertise is valued by her peers, and she is engaged across the NU System. Mary is direct when describing concerns, and flexible in adapting to an ever-changing context,” said John Falconer, senior advisor to the chancellor for executive affairs.
Chinnock Petroski previously served as director of human resources at UNK and was the university’s first chief diversity officer.
