If you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with Anna Byars, you already know the truth behind her self-description in one word: chill. But don’t let her laid-back, easygoing vibe fool you—As an Administrative Support Associate, Anna is the engine behind the scenes for the Neuroradiology and CT Divisions at UNC Radiology, making sure lectures run smoothly, reimbursements get filed, and schedules stay on track. She’s our go-to administrative guru—organized, dependable, and quietly funny in a way that sneaks up on you.
Anna joined UNC Radiology just over two years ago, and like many great journeys, hers didn’t follow a straight path. After earning a physical therapist assistant degree from a community college in Huntsville, Alabama, she moved to North Carolina to be with her longtime partner, now fiancé, Peyton, who was in graduate school at the time. “We’re high school sweethearts,” she says with a smile. “We’ve been together for over a decade.”
Her career trajectory included everything from working in retail to a vet clinic before finding her way into administrative work—a field she hadn’t previously explored. “This was my first office job,” she admits. “But I’ve really enjoyed the experience. It’s given me patience, helped me become more flexible, and definitely sharpened my detail-oriented side.”
Her current role spans a wide range of duties, from managing travel logistics and organizing major lectures like the Spring Neuro Fellow Lecture and the Wood Lecture, to assisting with promotion committee letters. She’s a problem-solver, a plate-spinner, and the kind of person you want in your corner when plans start to unravel. “I like feeling like I can make things happen,” she says. “Even when things go off track, I’m learning to pivot, stay calm, and find a solution. This job has taught me flexibility. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and you have to be able to think on your feet. It’s also taught me a lot of patience—because tracking things down and adjusting last minute is just part of the role.”
“Anna is a very organized person that always helps,” says a faculty members that she has supported for a little over a year.“She is very easy to work. She takes the extra time to find an answer for any questions. She is definitely an asset to the team.”
When asked what she enjoys most about her job, Anna doesn’t hesitate: “The people. We have such a good group—it makes such a difference. The friendships, the support, the shared understanding of the chaos on some days—it’s what makes coming to work enjoyable.”
Outside the Office: A Bookworm, Baker, and Swiftie
When she’s not keeping UNC Radiology’s gears turning, Anna’s living her best life—curled up with a fantasy novel, shopping for deals at Abercrombie, baking up chocolate-peanut butter confections, or cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes with Peyton. “I’m also on my 22nd book this year,” she shares proudly. “My goal was 20, but now I’ve changed it to reading my height in books, no easy feat at 5’8”.”
Her reading list includes fantasy favorites like Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, The Dream Harbor series by Laurie Gilmore, and the massively popular Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. “Reading has become one of my favorite parts of every day,” she says. “Sarah J. Maas got me back into it, and now I’m hooked.” She only reads physical books, not e-readers. “We look at screens all day long—I need a break. Plus, I love bookmarks and seeing my progress. Kindle just doesn’t do that for me.”
A self-described introvert who thrives on quiet routines and meaningful relationships, Anna is quick to point out that first impressions might not tell the whole story. “I tend to keep to myself at first,” she says. “But I really value building connections. I like having people I can rely on, and who can rely on me.”
Still waters run deep. She’s loyal, funny, and values meaningful relationships over small talk. When asked how her fiancé Peyton would describe her, she smiles: “Loyal. Charming. Witty.”
A Slice of Life—and Pizza
If she could choose any superpower, Anna says she’d want to fly or teleport. “We travel so much—both of our families are still in Alabama—and I hate the actual travel part,” she laughs. “If I could skip the drive, I would in a heartbeat.”
Her travel highlights include recent trips to Chicago, San Diego (where Peyton proposed!), and Austin—with Yellowstone and an Italian elopement on the horizon. “We’re planning our wedding and honeymoon in Italy,” she beams. “We’ll be eloping!”
When it comes to comfort food, her answer is instant: Meatlovers Pizza from Mellow Mushroom. Although sadly, those pizza days are behind her. Anna hasn’t eaten gluten in over eight years. As for music, her current anthem is anything off Taylor Swift’s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)—a nostalgic callback to her “angsty” teenage years.
And while her path to UNC Radiology wasn’t linear, Anna is happy with where she’s landed. “I’ve realized that life doesn’t have to follow a strict plan. As long as I’m fulfilled, have work-life balance, and get to do things I enjoy with people I care about, that’s what really matters.”
“Anna is great to work with,” says Ashley Paul, fellow administrative partner. “We’re very alike in how we think and work so it makes work go smoothly. Plus – We both have dogs and love swapping stories of our fur babies – which always makes everything more fun!”
A Final Word: Chill, with a Side of Wit
Her favorite thing about herself? Her humor—subtle, dry, and often surprising. Her autobiography title? A Year in My Life. Who would play her in the movie? “Jennifer Lawrence,” she says with zero hesitation.
And if you’re lucky enough to work with Anna, you know just how fitting that casting would be: grounded, relatable, funny, and quietly fierce when it matters most.
Anna’s supervisor, Amy Edge, gushed about her, “Anna is an administrative assistant whose quiet composure, sharp problem-solving, and seamless multitasking keep everything—from the esteemed Wood Lecture to complex international travel arrangements, and everyone in the Neuroradiology and Cardiothoracic Divisions—on course. She is a wonderful team member and a joy to work with.”
So next time you see Anna in the hallway—say hi. Ask her what she’s reading. Or better yet, swap Gilmore Girls quotes. Just don’t challenge her to a bake-off unless you’re ready to lose.