Time flies when a Bruin is having fun. I have been a Bruin for over 19 years and probably have spent more time at UCLA than anywhere else. I went to school here – I understand the student’s perspective. I met my dentist (wife) here – I know there is another side of campus south of Life Sciences. I work here – I support teaching, research, and service. It is a blessing to be part of this amazing Bruin community. Staff Assembly is a campus organization that fosters this kind of engagement across all levels of the University. If elected, this would be my third stint with the UCLA Staff Assembly Board since I last participated as the VP of Outreach in 2006-2007 and VP of Programs in 2007-2008. It would be an honor to serve as president-elect for Staff Assembly 2014-2015.

In reviewing my past bio on the Staff Assembly website, I noticed that I may have lost a few pounds (thanks BHIP) and some hair, but all kidding aside, I feel that I have never left Staff Assembly. I have represented Staff Assembly on the John Wooden Center Board of Governors for four years. Participating on this board gave me a chance to see the inner workings of some amazing projects as it relates to UCLA recreational resources. For example, the board examined issues relating to the renovation of Pauley Pavilion, the opening of Kinross Recreation Center, and the introduction of the UCLA Healthy Campus Initiative. I have also participated on the Staff Assembly Awards Selection Committee on a number of occasions. The experience was especially gratifying as I was continually impressed by the talented and dedicated colleagues that surround me at UCLA as I read their award nominations. And if imitation is the highest form of flattery, the UCLA BruinTech owes its formation to Staff Assembly. Along with two fellow past board members, we used our experience from Staff Assembly to form the UCLA Help Desk Consortium. After several successful years, I had the opportunity to co-sponsor a PDP Project that led to the rebranding of the HDC to the UCLA BruinTech. This group of Bruin technologists have helped enhance digital citizenship on campus through programs such as First Fridays and Technology Speed-Dating. I hope to bring all these experience full circle to contribute back to the Staff Assembly board.

As President-Elect, my goals are:

Staff Assembly has flourished and evolved as an organization under inspired leadership. I have noticed new programs, additional partners, and a better-looking website and newsletter. If selected to serve, I plan on focusing efforts to seek professional development and networking opportunities for staff. I would also like to explore using social media to generate interest and develop new channels for staff and students to discover programs Staff Assembly offers. Finally, as an avid runner, I would like to build upon the success of the inaugural UCLA Bruin Move and Groove 5K and make it an event that continues to motivate Bruins to lead a healthy lifestyle. Let’s make time fly.