Remembering Johanna Weinstein

Johanna “Jo” Weinstein, who retired in 2016 after serving for more than 30 years as director of administration and operations at the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS), passed away at her home in Bethesda, Maryland, on December 3, 2024.

During her tenure at UMIACS, Weinstein worked side-by-side with four separate directors and two interim directors, affording senior-level oversight of all administrative and financial activities of the institute.

Through the years, she proved herself invaluable as UMIACS grew—helping with the development and launch of multiple projects and large interdisciplinary centers; planning, managing and tracking all state budget and foundation accounts; providing oversight of sponsored research accounts and expenditures; solving numerous problems in her unique, unflappable way; and supervising and mentoring the institute’s excellent support staff.

“Our successes, and the successes we will continue to have for years to come, are due in no small part to Jo’s dedication and expertise in providing the bedrock upon which UMIACS is built,” says Mihai Pop, professor of computer science and director of UMIACS. “She was a caring and compassionate friend and mentor to many, including myself, but was also tough-as-nails when she needed to be. She will be greatly missed.”

Details on a memorial service and obituary can be found here.

Go here to view a printed booklet from several years ago recognizing Weinstein’s retirement, wherein members of the UMIACS community and others offered heartfelt notes, photos and anecdotes about their friend and colleague.