This page profiles Supply Chain Management staff, what they enjoy about their UC Davis roles, and what they do for fun outside of work.
Click on the name of the person below to learn more about them, and their role in Supply Chain Management. The year indicates when the staff member was featured in our monthly Supply Chain Management Link newsletter.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|
Featured Staff Member for November 2024
Brian Fitzgerald, Procurement & Contracting Services
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis in July 2017 and began working with Supply Chain Management in October 2017, first with Business Contracts, then with Commercial Services, and now Information Technology Services, part of Procurement & Contracting Services.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am a Procurement Analyst 4, Lead Buyer for IT Services. I review purchase requests and process or assign those requests to other buyers as needed.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy the camaraderie and support of working with the other Buyers. The other Buyers are there to lend a hand and provide help when needed. On the occasions that I come to the office, it’s like going to Cheers – where everyone knows your name.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
The most challenging part of my job is negotiating contract terms. Information Technology suppliers, especially software providers, tend to have their own terms that they want to govern contracts. With IT, we are dealing with the data security of the whole university – staff, students, professors and research – and as such, UC Davis requires stringent data security language to be included in the contacts. The process of negotiating those data security terms can often take many months.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
My favorite pastime is enjoying time with my grandchildren. I'm blessed with a great wife, and a wonderful step-daughter with four incredible children, and I love being involved in their lives and experiencing some really incredible times with them.
When I’m not enjoying time with my grandchildren, I enjoy being a handyman and working on projects around the house.
Featured Staff Member for September 2024
Alberto Cardenas, Logistics
When did you join the university?
I joined the university in 2020.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I handle all the hazmat (hazardous materials)/compressed gases for the campus. This includes receiving, transporting, and picking up gas cylinders. I make sure the cages around campus are in decent and safe condition, and ensure that all gas cylinders are appropriately chained up. I’m also in charge of the document shred program for campus, delivering and picking up shred totes.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is building and cultivating relationships with the people to whom I deliver. I like to provide great service and keep customers happy, as well as keep all their labs and experiments running. I generally try to provide same day, if not next day, service. I’m running around all day on campus but enjoy doing what I can to keep our customers happy!
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Keeping the (gas cylinder) cages safe and not overstocked is an ongoing challenge. Department shipments are sometimes paused when the cages are too full. I have to verify and email each customer that has a tank/cylinder in a cage and sometimes move the cylinder to a lab to create space.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I love spending time with family and friends! I love going to sporting events (San Francisco 49ers fan), spending time outdoors, hiking, and going to Cancun! But even a simple BBQ in backyard with family and friends will do. Love grilling!
Featured Staff Member for August 2024
Sean Farnworth, Travel and Entertainment Help Desk Analyst
When did you join the university?
I started with the university as a temporary employee, conducting COVID testing with Healthy Davis Together in December 2020. I was hired as a department Travel Assistant in May of 2022.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I work as the Travel and Entertainment Analyst with the SCM Help Desk.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy helping people!
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Finding out how much I didn't know about campus policy (laughs).
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I love traveling, going to the gym, and watching horror movies.
Featured Staff Member for July 2024
Mark Blankinship, Mail Services Operations Supervisor
When did you join the university?
I joined in October 2017.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I'm an Operations Supervisor with Mail Services. We ensure all mail, packages, shred requests, and special delivery requests are completed for the campus departments. We keep the campus moving every day. We also do all Bulk Mailings for the UCD Campus and UCD Health. Over the course of a month, we deliver over 4000 packages and over 50,000 pieces of mail.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is solving problems and making things easier for everyone by implementing improved methods to serve our customers.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Implementing change is challenging. The size of the University results in changes taking time to implement. It is like turning an aircraft carrier; it does not happen immediately. The commute over the causeway would be a close second, challenge-wise!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I like to spend time with my wife and kids. We like to travel and get involved with our community.
Featured Staff Member for June 2024
Darin Hinman, Repro Graphics Director
Supply Chain Management recently welcomed a new Director to Repro Graphics. Darin Hinman, started May 1 and takes over for Donna Horbelt, who will be retiring at the end of the month.
Darin brings more than 25 years of experience in digital printing, mail services, and self-supporting business units to the position. He most recently served as Director of Mail Services at Fiserv Output Solutions, a financial services technology company, overseeing a 75-person production team.
Darin said his immediate focus at Repro Graphics will be on revamping the Campus Copier Program.
“I’d like to make it better, more useful, more simplified,” he said.
Before COVID, the campus produced around 20 million copies annually, a number that has now dropped to 9 million. Remote work played a significant role in the decline, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a need for copiers. The newest copiers offer features that better suit today’s work needs, Darin said. Many of the copiers in UC Davis’s fleet are outdated and need replacing, he noted, adding that he also intends to streamline the program’s rates and billing processes.
For now, Darin is getting to know Repro Graphics, its services, and its people.
“The team here is great,” he said. “They have a lot of knowledge, and they know how to get things done.”
Featured Staff Member for May 2024
Sara Holt, Travel and Entertainment Quality Assurance Processor
When did you join the university?
I started with UC Davis on January 23rd, 2023.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am a Quality Assurance Processor with the Travel and Entertainment unit, and I review expense reports for accuracy and compliance with UC policy, as well review cash advances. I help customers with tracking their expense reimbursements and assist occasionally with the help desk in making sure customers have everything they need to get their reports sent off for approval routing. I am also a member of the Safety Committee, where I make sure safety compliance is up to date, postings are put up, and safety equipment is checked to ensure the safety of the department.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of working in Supply Chain Management is working with and being part of a truly outstanding team. There is a constant flow of opportunities to learn new things and often tasks to take on to help others in my department. Working in Travel and Entertainment allows me to see so many different departments in the university, and learning about what they do along the way. Supply Chain Management is a department where true teamwork, camaraderie, positivity, and helpfulness come together daily. It’s one of the most positive places I have ever worked.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
I came from working/managing a hardware store for 18 years, and when I came to Supply Chain Management, it was a completely different environment. I was very green to the university, and it was definitely an adjustment. There was and still is so much to learn, and that’s a positive challenge!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
When I am not at work, I spend time with family and friends, adventuring outdoors in nature, camping, and hiking, or spending time reading, writing, and watching movies.
Featured Staff Member for April 2024
Robert Juhler, AggieSurplus Coordinator
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis in January 2019, and I have been with Supply Chain Management since the end of May, 2023.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I’m an AggieSurplus Coordinator/Senior Lead. I partner with departments across the campus to support them in selling/recycling/donating surplus items, as well as assisting with campus asset handling and retirement of equipment. I also manage the AggieSurplus Store both online, as well as in-person shopping the first consecutive Thursday and Friday of each month.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Repurposing, and being able to help the university in sustainability efforts. Way too many things end up in the waste stream and landfill that is still good and useful. I also enjoy the customers we serve. My best day is making someone else’s day coming across a great find at AggieSurplus.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Switching gears between tasks can sometimes be overwhelming, and the complexity of some of the equipment we carry at the university can be a challenge when it comes to handling and removal. At the same time, it is always interesting to learn something new pretty much every day.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I love to spend time with my wife and three girls, as they keep me very busy with their various activities. I am also a very active person, as I keep myself busy with running, hiking, biking, etc. pretty much every time I have a free moment. This year I have plans to do another half marathon, and am also planning a hike to the top of Mount Shasta.
Featured Staff Member for October 2023
Natalie Avina, AP Help Desk Analyst
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis in February 2016 as an Accounts Payable Invoice Processor for the Shared Services Organization (SSO). After a department reorganization, our team was transitioned to Supply Chain Management. I processed invoices with the Accounts Payable (AP) team for 6 years before accepting a position as an AP Financial Analyst.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
My current role is the Accounts Payable Help Desk Analyst. I assist departments and suppliers with a variety of issues all related to accounts payable.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love investigating issues and providing a resolution and/or explaining discrepancies between invoices/payments. I also enjoy helping our campus community by answering a plethora of questions that are sent to the Help Desk. Most of all, I adore my team! They are awesome to work with, as well as knowledgeable, smart, and fun people.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Currently, the biggest challenge about my job is ensuring I can navigate the new financial system, Aggie Enterprise, as the transition quickly approaches. It’s important to me that I am able to assist departments and suppliers with answers to their questions, locating the needed information in Aggie Enterprise without delay.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy a lot of things! I love going to San Francisco 49er games with my husband. I love watching my kids play in their sports as well. I love family vacations, activities and adventures. I love spending time with friends; they are good for my soul. I love going to church. I love planning and hosting family holidays, birthdays and BBQs. I love camping, boating, and creating memories with the people I love.
Featured Staff Member for September 2023
Kirby Isidro, Financial Analyst
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis in August 2020 with the Office of Research, where I was onboarded in a fully remote capacity. I have been with Supply Chain Management since January 2022.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I work with the Solutions and Financial Analysis Team as a Financial Analyst. I process account reconciliations, perform KPI (key performance indicator) reporting, and assist with incentive tracking and inventory and supplies manager controls. I also analyze expenses and financial benefits generated by Supply Chain Management and provide support in other areas of financial operations and data analysis as needed.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Seeing a clean reconciliation file is always fabulous! There’s a lot to do in my current role which would not be as easy to accomplish without the support of the team, including leadership and fellow colleagues. Interacting and collaborating with the various subject matter experts is also quite rewarding.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Getting timely responses can be a challenge! In the beginning, I found adjusting my skills and experience to fulfill my current role was a little challenging, but it was a positive challenge. Now that we are transitioning to a new system (Aggie Enterprise), another challenge is getting knowledgeable enough to support others in the new system and being able to translate what I do in the current system to the new one; time and exposure will help in resolving that challenge!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Traveling! I love spending time with family, hiking, walking, and playing tennis. I also enjoy watching sports.
Featured Staff Member for August 2023
Steven Asercion, Procurement Analyst
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis in August 1991.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I recently transitioned to a Procurement Analyst position and joined the Commercial Services Team. Awesome team!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy learning the types of services the university engages in with well-established vendors, small businesses, and independent contractors. The university participates in such diverse activities.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
I’m on the learning curve of the new position. Just navigating and finding the best practices to process the requisitions into purchase orders because each request has its unique challenges.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy playing tennis and my recent hobby of genealogy. I’m working on eight generations and solving family mysteries.
Featured Staff Member for July 2023
Radiance Hardiman, Accounts Payable QA Team Lead and Banking Card Analyst
When did you join the university?
I first joined UC Davis as an undergraduate student (Go Aggies!) and returned as a Temporary Employment Service employee in 2019. My first position in TES was with Finance and Admin IT but was soon reassigned to Supply Chain Management where I worked as an Invoicing Processor and then a Quality Assurance Processor. I really felt a deep connection with the people in Supply Chain, but due to COVID was relocated to UC Davis Health where I worked in the Vice Chancellor’s office and then in HR. I returned to Supply Chain in 2021 as a Quality Assurance Processor and was recently promoted to QA Team Lead and Banking Card Analyst in Winter 2022. I am so thankful to have a permanent position with Supply Chain, because I know this is where I want to be for a long time.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
My job includes reviewing AggieExpense reports and cash advances, tracking outgoing payments, resolving payment related issues, contacting and enrolling vendors in our Payment Plus program and answering customer questions.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My team! I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by competent and hardworking folks who work together to address the needs of the university. I also love watching our team grow, especially since I’ve trained all of our current QA Processors.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
I am still new to being a Team Lead and Banking Card Analyst and have a lot to learn. Thankfully, I have an amazing and patient mentor in Jennifer Thompson. Between her guidance and my voracious appetite for learning, I am sure that I will soon make this position my own and continue being an amazing asset to the university.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending my time attending our local book club, sewing, and petting my cat. You might also spot me around Davis, spending time with friends and trying out local restaurants.
Featured Staff Member for June 2023
Carlos de la Cruz, Microscope Services, Microscope Technician
When did you join the university?
I began working at UC Davis in November 2000, so I've been here almost 23 years. In that time, I have put three kids through college. Zander, my youngest, graduated from high school Wednesday night.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am a Microscope Technician - I repair, maintain, and modify microscopes. I’m the guy you take a beat-up car to and I turn it into a hot rod, but with microscopes. Researchers and doctors often spend all day looking through their scopes, so they must perform at the highest level possible.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I like interacting with the researchers and staff here on campus and hearing about how their lives and families are going.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
I love a good challenge, such as when a researcher has an idea for a device that does not exist. They will describe what they want it to do. I think of ways to turn their idea into a robust three-dimensional device. I draw the design and start the fabrication process; when it is finished, the device which started out as just an idea in someone's head, is put into daily use. When I stop by a year later and see the device working well, it's a really cool feeling.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with family. Being outside is the best: gardening, hiking, star gazing - it’s all good.
Redwood SEED Scholars: May 2023 Feature
Distribution and Logistics is delivering hands-on training and receiving valuable assistance with the addition of several new team members.
The department recently welcomed four new employees, members of the Redwood SEED Scholars Program, which provides a university experience for students with intellectual disabilities. SEED stands for Supported Education to Elevate Diversity. The scholars live on campus, take courses designed for them, and participate in internships to gain work experience.
On the Job
On a recent Friday afternoon at Mail Services, Nina Riegos, a sophomore from Roseville, was seated at a table applying labels to envelopes. Nearby, Jared Miller, a freshman from San Diego, listened as Mail Services’ Sal Tafoya gave instructions on preparing mail for processing.
Although it was only his second day on the job, Jared said he was enjoying the work. “I like it,” he said. “It’s fun.”
Each scholar works just a few hours a week, earning wages as a Student Assistant. A UC Davis student serving as an employment mentor accompanies the scholar, providing guidance and assistance when necessary. Like the other scholars, Jared will learn at his own pace, building on the skills he’s acquired.
“He’s very eager to learn and that’s just awesome,” Sal said. “He’s picking up on things really quick, which is great.”
The scholars at Hopkins Services Complex, which also includes freshman Clio Rasler of Oakland, are processing mail, breaking down cardboard for recycling and will soon be helping out at AggieSurplus. A fourth scholar, sophomore Abeer Humayun from San Ramon, is working at the Scientific Store on La Rue Road. She is stocking shelves, helping to fill online orders, and may also be trained to clean microscopes at Microscope Services.
Plans for the Future
The scholars will stay with Distribution and Logistics until early June when their quarter ends. They will then work with the program's employment specialists to figure out if the job was a good match for both them and the employer and if they will return to the job in the Fall. They can also choose to explore to other interests in a new campus position.
Storehouse Manager Katie Ryan said the department will participate in the program next year if possible.
“It’s been really good,” she said. “I hear (the scholars) when they are leaving and they are saying they had a good time and just it’s really good for our staff too. They also get a lot out of it.”
Special Event: May 4th, 2023
May the Fourth Be With You Dining Commons Event
The Force was strong with the Scientific Store on May 4, 2023, as the team supported the Segundo Dining Commons’ annual May the Fourth Star Wars-themed dinner by providing 200 pounds of dry ice for special effects.
Featured Staff Member for April 2023
Susan Clark, Accounts Payable Disbursements Lead, Business & Financial Services
When did you Join the university?
I started with the university on March 18, 2015.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am the Accounts Payable Disbursements Lead, where I oversee the payment process, making sure all our vendors are paid, research payments for departments, and correct any issues related to payments.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy working with the different people from within our own unit (we have a great team), to the Davis Campus and Medical Center. It is always satisfying to be able to help with questions or issues that come up and provide a resolution that everyone is happy with.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Balancing the projects with the daily workload is most challenging, but there is always a way to work everything in.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my husband Steve, whether it is traveling or working on projects around the house. I love hanging out with my three adult children and their significant others, but especially love hanging out with my five grandchildren and spoiling them rotten! I also enjoy gardening; I just recently planted some veggies, and a couple of fruit trees.
Featured Staff Member for March 2023
CJ Caudle, Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager, Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO), Strategic Sourcing
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis in June 2016 as the Commercial Services commodity manager. Prior to joining the University I routinely traveled for work. With a young son at home I was in search of a position that allowed me to utilize my supply chain background, but be home each night with my young family. UC Davis has given me so many opportunities and I feel extremely fortunate to be part of such a dynamic community.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
As the Sourcing Manager for Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) I support our FOA partners in contracting, supplier management, and business planning. Beyond the MRO commodity I support our University Preferred Partnership Program (UP3) in leveraging strategic vendor relationships to support students and faculty with scholarships, research funding, and career development opportunities.
I work with our campus stakeholders to design business relationships that meet their operational and financial needs, while adhering to public contract code, University policy and industry best practices. It’s a bit like playing bumper bowling – there are significant guardrails that bracket the playing field, but we can be creative within the lines to find solutions and value for our campus customers!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The sourcing/contracting process typically runs anywhere from 3-12 months. Within that timeframe we are working with colleagues who are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the product/service/commodity with which we are engaged. Having an opportunity to learn from our campus experts on any given subject provides a very fast-paced learning environment, but just as soon as we figure something out we are on to the next RFP (Request for Proposal) or contract, and start the whole process over again.
While the methods we use are consistent, we’re always trying to figure out how to make best use of the process to deliver value across varying priorities.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
As a Sourcing Manager I do not buy anything – we act in an advisory role to execute public contracting. We are often balancing multiple requirements and priorities when we go to market with an RFP. We’re taking into account cost, sustainability, quality of the solution/product, all while keeping in mind what the vendor relationship looks like 2, 3, 4+ years down the road.
We’re never going to make everyone happy, but we work to meet our campus customer’s needs within the framework of policy and process.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
If I’m not working I tend to be camping or planning my next camping trip. Getting into the outdoors with my family is my favorite way to spend time. Closer to home, I coach my sons in Little League, "GO PIRATES, GO RED WINGS!" It is a lot of fun to watch the kids develop as players and come together as a team. Finally, I love being in the kitchen or by the grill. My parents joke I that I went to college to get a degree in BBQ – tailgating at Oklahoma Sooners football games provided ample opportunity to fire up the Weber low and slow.
Featured Staff Member for February 2023
Valerie Roque, Contract Administrator, Business & Revenue Contracts
When did you join the university?
I joined the university in September 2019.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am a Contract Administrator III with Business & Revenue Contracts. I review, draft and negotiate various agreements for the university on behalf of campus clients.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Being a part of the process in bringing exciting projects, events and collaborations to the university that positively impact our students, researchers, staff and community at large.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Time is the most challenging aspect of my job. I work on a high volume of complex agreements that can take time to finalize. But it is thrilling when all the time spent results in execution of the agreement.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, twins, mom and dogs. As a family we love baking, doing craft projects, walking/biking, visiting Halloween/haunt attractions, the beach, and having light saber fights with pool noodles. I also enjoy spending time attending educational trainings focused on environmental law, transactions/contracts, as well as, reading nonfiction and fiction books.
Featured Staff Member for January 2023
Daisy Tom, Life Sciences Commodity Manager, Strategic Sourcing
When did you join the university?
I started in October 2008 as a temporary employee with Supply Chain Management (formerly Materiel Management) to manage the Supply Express Store, an office supply store for campus departments, on the main Davis campus, in the Tercero Parking lot. I had no experience with running a store, or engraving skills, yet ended up covering both areas after the university engraver left the university. In the early 2010s, the store and engraving service were discontinued. This was also during a period where several senior buyers had retired, and a buyer internship program was created. I applied for the internship, where I was one of the accepted applicants, and started my career as a university buyer.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am transitioning to the Strategic Sourcing team, as a Life Sciences commodity manager. Previously, I was a lead buyer for more than four years, purchasing Life Sciences commodities for the Procurement & Contracting Services team. My new role focuses on commodity management and analysis, including campus spend, supplier relations, and partnership with UC Office of the President on university supplier agreements.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job is seeing and supporting all the research that goes on at the university. Some worldwide research projects are happening right here at UC Davis, and my role helps to ensure that research is supported and maintained with all necessary equipment and supplies.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
There is never enough time in the day to complete a task at hand without distractions requiring immediate attention.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
My husband and I enjoy going to Sacramento Kings basketball or San Francisco Giants baseball games. He watches the game while I shop around for team-wear and food concessions. It’s a win-win for us both!
Featured Staff Member for December 2022
Eric Vang, Microscope Services Technician
When did you join the university?
I joined Microscope Services as a staff member in May 2016, but I actually started working in the unit first as a student assistant in June 2015.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am one of the two technicians that maintain and operate the campus’s microscope rental pool, which are primarily used in teaching. I also perform interdepartmental services for microscopes and instruments used in research and patient care.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Being able to restore high-value research instruments to their proper function at relatively low cost to the labs that use them.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
The biggest challenges that I’ve faced involved having to deeply learn the function of individual and very specific components within an instrument or device, as well as the periphery components that these directly interact with.
Despite knowing that I have no direct experience on their specific instrument or equipment, lab managers and Principal Investigators have asked me to attempt repairs on rather expensive items due to the very high cost of assessment, repair, or replacement through the manufacturer. In some instances, manufacturers are unable to offer support, or support for the item has already ceased completely.
The majority of these requests have been successful. Though our unit is focused on microscopy, the skills and knowledge that I utilize to fix microscopes are also applicable to the repair of common lab instruments and equipment.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I love spending time outdoors with my wife, daughter, and son. Over the last year I’ve gained new interest in botany, mycology, and native wildlife, mostly thanks to my kids and their desire to see and learn more during our walks in the city park, the campus arboretum, and in nature.
Featured Staff Member for November 2022
Michael Sandoval, Central Storehouse Storekeeper
When did you join the university?
I started with the university on October 3, 2016.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I just transitioned from Special Services to Central Receiving/Storehouse as a Senior Storekeeper.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Being able to work with people throughout the university is my favorite part of the job.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Creating space for all the incoming product is always a challenge!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, going to car shows, playing softball and golf, going to the coast, and enjoying our three bulldogs.
Featured Staff Member for October 2022
Stephanie Chu, Repro Graphics Senior Designer
When did you join the university?
I started working for UC Davis in September 2005.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am a Senior Designer for Repro Graphics. Any design related jobs, print trouble shooting, training interns and design consultations, I do them all. I am currently focused on UC Davis Health web pages. My UC Davis Health clients are School of Nursing, Pharmacy, Eye Center, Patient Services, Children’s Hospital, and more.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
When the design interns that I have trained do well in their careers, I feel great and happy to have inspired them.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Deadlines and redo!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy traveling to Europe, listening to Jazz music, playing LEGO and eating beautiful and delicious seafood.
Featured Staff Member for September 2022
Matthew Pinkston, Scientific Store Supervisor
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis in February of 2005.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I manage the Scientific Storeroom, formerly known as Vet Med Central Services.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Working with my fellow staff members and interacting with our customers. I really enjoy being able to come through for the researchers with any last-second supplies to keep their projects going when they are in dire need.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Supply chain issues have put a strain on the availability of many products, so it can be tough to find specific items the research community may be in need of, but I love the challenge.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, two daughters and son. We love the coast, so we try to hit Santa Cruz and Fort Bragg as much as possible. I'm a huge sports fan, so you'll find me rooting for the Rams, Giants and Kings throughout the year!
Featured Staff Member for August 2022
Honor Jeffrey, AggieSurplus and Services Coordinator
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis at the tail end of March 2022, so I’m about four months in.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I’m a Coordinator for AggieSurplus & Services. I partner with departments across the campus to support them with selling/recycling/donating surplus items. I also manage the AggieSurplus Store (which is open for in-person shopping the first consecutive Thursday and Friday of each month. Also check out our online store!)
What’s your favorite part of your job?
In finding new lives for surplus items, I’m able to positively impact the university’s commitment to sustainability.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Switching gears rapidly can sometimes be a challenge, but my variety of responsibilities is also one reason my job is so interesting.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy backpacking, paddle boarding, silversmithing, gardening, live music, and cooking plant-based meals for friends and family.
Featured Staff Member for July 2022
Jennifer Thompson, Banking Card and Expense Management Supervisor
When did you join the university?
Way back in September of 1998, I joined the university through Temporary Employment Services working in Plant Pathology and Nematology as a Purchasing Assistant and Accounts Payable processor. Since then, I have worked in departments within the School of Vet Med, at Supply Chain, and the Offices of the Chancellor and Provost. Earlier this year, I returned to Supply Chain Management in my current role as the Banking Card and Expense Management Supervisor. In my 17th year at UC Davis, I am truly excited to be back at SCM, where I feel most at home!
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
In short, I am the campus card program administrator and I oversee the amazing Quality Assurance team that reviews AggieTravel reports. I get to spend a lot of time working with the staff on campus, and I will also start in-person training sessions again soon.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is definitely the people! I get to interact with people from all over campus and UC Davis Health. With each interaction I get a little more insight about what it takes to keep our university moving forward. I have also been blessed to inherit a fantastic team of direct reports at Supply Chain! The Banking Card team and the Quality Assurance team are made up of incredible individuals who I am truly excited to get to work with each day!
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Hearing the words, “That’s how we’ve always done it…” We are on the verge of another major change (Does the name Aggie Enterprise ring a bell?) and the ways we have always done things are bound to change. I really try to see each change as an opportunity to streamline processes and strengthen our relationships with colleagues. I try to remind myself that we are all in the same storm, whether it be a pandemic, working hybrid schedules, or the undertaking of a new financial system. If we work together, we can weather any storm!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I’ve recently tried my hand at planting drought resistant, yet pretty, plants in my yard. So far so good… I also love to spend time with my husband, my three sons, nieces, nephews, and my two grandchildren. In addition to spending time with family, I love to kayak on Lake Natoma, visit Lake Tahoe, and spend time reading mysteries and other psychological thrillers.
Featured Staff Member for June 2022
David Romero, UCD Health Mail Services
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis on May 14th 2001.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am a Sr. Mail Processor and deliver mail to campus departments at UCD Health (transferred from campus 2 years ago).
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is interacting with the people in the departments I deliver mail to.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
The most challenging part of my job is memorizing or learning new names and departments.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
When I'm not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and playing music or working on my "honey do" list!
Featured Staff Member for May 2022
Mike Kuhner, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Procurement Officer
Introduction
Hello and thank you for taking a moment to learn a little about me, Mike Kuhner. I am thrilled to be taking the helm of our fantastic Supply Chain Organization as the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Procurement Officer. I’ll start with some background.
After growing up in the Bay Area, I was lucky enough to attend UC Davis and earn my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. Since graduating, I have enjoyed roles in large-scale manufacturing, consulting for a top management firm, and developing real estate in a small family-owned company. These experiences provided exposure to a variety of organizations and industries; and helped instill a passion for solving business challenges with thoughtful application of technology and process change.
Eventually, I found my way back to UC Davis in 2008 as a Project Manager within the Accounting and Financial Services division. I have been part of our Supply Chain organization for eight years now – leading Accounts Payable, Travel and Expense Management, Card Programs, Supplier Services, and overseeing our SCM Solutions team. During that time, I picked up a master’s degree in Accounting, attained certifications as a Project Management Professional and Certified Managerial Accountant, and earned a Six Sigma Green Belt.
Leadership and Goals for Supply Chain
As an alum and a member of the Davis community, I take a great deal of pride in supporting our UC Mission. I try to approach problems and challenges by considering what’s best for the UC – our students, faculty, and community. Ultimately, I believe our organization is here to support our campus and hospital, as well as our suppliers who do business with the UC. I wholeheartedly agree with the Finance, Operations and Administration goal of “striving to make the university better every day.”
As we look ahead to major goals and projects on the horizon, it’s hard to overstate the impact of our upcoming financial system launch, Aggie Enterprise. I know the impact that such a large and complex system can have on our organization. And while this new system will bring many great features, such as integrated invoicing, supplier self-service, and email workflow routing – it will inevitably cause some growing pains and frustrations both internally and with our partners. It is my immediate goal to help Supply Chain strike a balance between the needs of the system, the needs of our business, and the needs of our users. This will not happen overnight, but is achievable through good communication, thoughtful planning, and having a great team involved in the design, training, and support.
While our systems are being refreshed, we still face daily challenges in helping our campus efficiently procure goods and services, take advantage of cost-saving shipping options, and utilize on-campus storehouse and printing options. Understanding the “right” way to do business is trickier these days, with new policies and laws which require more administrative overhead in the processes. Through partnerships with divisions such as the Shared Services Organization, IET, and academic colleges, one of my goals is to find new and more effective channels of communication to guide our users on how best to achieve their goals.
For the past 14 years, I have been proud to serve our Aggie Community of students, staff, researchers, and community members. I look forward to continuing in these efforts as our Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Procurement Officer.
Featured Staff Member for April 2022
Renee Carrasco, Help Desk Analyst
When did you join the university?
I joined the university in February 2016.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I’m an Accounts Payable and Travel & Entertainment Help Desk Analyst. My primary duties are supporting the UC Davis campus with their travel and entertainment inquiries.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is when someone reopens a help ticket to say, “Thank you”! I love being able to help others achieve their mission.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Adjusting to a new job. I was at my last department for over four years. When someone asked me a question, I knew the response right off the bat. There are so many different scenarios that come up with travel and entertainment that require deeper research on my end. Fortunately, we have a lot of information within the SCM webpage.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working? I enjoy trips to Green Acres, buying houseplants and planting them in boho style pots. It’s fun to read up on the benefits they provide to your home. If you don’t own a snake plant, I recommend looking up the benefits and buying one for your home! I also enjoy exploring new hikes with beautiful scenery!
Featured Staff Member for March 2022
Chris Honan, Manager, SCM Stores
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis August of 2018.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I manage the UC Davis Campus stores, which include the Scientific, Chemistry, and Maintenance & Repair Operations (MRO) Storerooms.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
First and foremost, it's the customers that we serve; supporting the education and research community. It’s a collaborative effort within SCM. Specific to my role, I regularly see the interactions and cross-functional partnerships that serve UCD. It’s a great team!
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Working within the software limitations of the systems we utilize within our stores is challenging.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
When not working, I’m busy keeping up with my two children. Juggling between coaching soccer, dance, and volleyball, my wife and I often don't have any spare time. My family also enjoys the occasional trip to Disneyland.
Featured Staff Member for February 2022
Tony Te, Lead Data Analyst
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis in October 2014.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am part of the Financial and Data Analysis team and support Supply Chain Management by pulling data and generating reports. I also help develop the Tableau dashboards on AggieDash.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
It’s definitely helping people find answers within our large data sets. Each question feels like a puzzle and it’s fun learning how the data is used to support the university.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
I often have multiple Excel and app windows open for reference and juggling between them can be dizzying. I’m thankful for a two monitor setup!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
My two favorite hobbies are trying new restaurants and taking photos of my cat causing shenanigans. I hope to combine the two one day.
Featured Staff Member for January 2022
Carla Marcano, Accounts Payable Supervisor
When did you join the university?
I worked as a student at UC Berkeley, but officially became staff in 1997.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I'm the Accounts Payable Supervisor.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Working with numerous staff, departments and vendors.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Finding contacts to resolve issues -- but I’m quite the detective!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Cooking, spending time with family and friends.
Featured Staff Member for November 2021
Katie Ryan, Manager - Distribution & Logistics
When did you join the university?
I started with UC Davis in November 2005 and have been with Supply Chain Management the entire time.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I work within Distribution & Logistics as the manager of a handful of units including AggieSurplus, Special Services, Microscope Services, (Gas) Cylinder Program, and Central Storehouse & Receiving.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The variety of services I work with. Working with units that provide a diverse range of services makes every day different. One minute I could be helping the ASI (Agricultural Sustainability Institute) Student Farm sell a vintage tractor, and the next I could be working with our Microscope Services technicians to purchase a batch of specialized teaching microscopes. The variety each day keeps me learning and affords me the opportunity to meet new people. I definitely never get bored!
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Outdated systems. Some of our systems that support our specialty services have been around for too long and require manual processes. These are challenging to maintain and can be difficult to work with. The good news is that we have a new platform, AggieLogistics, that all of these systems will be moving to. We transitioned the Cylinder Program to this platform a couple of weeks ago and just moved AggieSurplus and (Special) Services this week. This system will benefit our staff and customers alike by providing real-time tracking and more reporting options, so I’m really excited about it.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
When not working, I’m busy keeping up with my two teenage boys. One will graduate high school this year and the other isn’t too far behind. When we have time, my husband and I enjoy live music and travel to different music festivals when we get the chance. We also enjoy going to Estate Sales to look for treasures and unique art pieces. We have found some really great things!
Featured Staff Member for October 2021
Loren Jenkins, UC Davis Health Mail Services Supervisor
When did you join the university?
Originally, as career staff in 1988, thru 2000 for the UCD Bookstore. I then left the University for another job (UPS) in 2000. I returned to UC Davis in 2008 until currently. By the way, I also am a UCD alum (Studio Art-grad 1990) and worked for 4.5 years (started in 1984) as a Student employee of the UCD Bookstore! Go Ags!
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am the Supervisor of UCDH Mail Services in Sacramento.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Interacting with all people, whether it is staff, co-workers and customers.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Keeping everyone content and customers satisfied and appreciative of the work we do.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
FISHING!!!
Featured Staff Member for September 2021
Britany Duyanovich, Sourcing Manager, Information Technology
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis Health in January of 2014 in the IT department as the Procurement Supervisor. In March of 2016 I moved over to campus to the role I am in now.
Prior to working at UCD, I worked for Visa as a Sourcing Analyst for five years, which included one year in Dubai supporting the Middle East and Africa.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am part of the Sourcing Team primarily working with IT commodities. My primary role is to manage campuswide contracts for IT commodities.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My role allows me to interface with people across campus that are in all different departments and roles! I love being able to support and be part of these different groups as we work through projects together.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Where to start? There are many nooks and crannies across campus, so there in many cases are no solutions that work well for everyone. When sourcing solutions and implementing contracts it can be an endless journey to attempt to think of every use case in efforts to ensure all bases are covered.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Outside of work I am a professional referee for our five and six year olds! We love exploring new places from hiking trails to breweries, so living in Northern California lends well to this.
Featured Staff Member for August 2021
Rosabelle Fox, Sourcing Manager, Student Housing and Dining Services
When did you join the university?
I first worked at UC Davis in 2000 as a Student Assistant for the Bio/Ag department in Shields Library. When I graduated, I accepted an Admin Assistant position for the same department. After about a year, I applied for a job at UC Berkeley and stayed at that campus for about 11 years in various roles including Admin Assistant, Business Systems Analyst, and Buyer. I came back to UC Davis in 2016 as a Buyer.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am part of the SCM (Supply Chain Management) Strategic Sourcing team, and my role provides sourcing and agreement support specifically for Student Housing and Dining Services’ Dining unit. I manage Dining’s RFx (Requests for Price Proposal and Quotes) events. We recently completed an Inventory and Menu Management RFP (Request for Proposal) and also a Baked Goods RFP. I work closely with Dining to complete all of their agreement requirements, from RFx awards to short-term sushi agreements. I communicate with UCOP’s Food Commodity Manager to include Student Housing and Dining Services (SHDS) in any UC Systemwide RFx events for food. I also collaborate with both the Dining team and Dining Finance to identify unmanaged spend and opportunities for possible RFx events.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy completing agreements for the Dining team so that they can purchase what they need in order to serve the students. I also like the variety that comes with supporting Dining. Their units for retail (the Markets, Scrubs, coffee, and restaurant locations), food service (the Dining Commons), and catering (Olive & Vine) have different sourcing requirements, and I enjoy supporting them all.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
The most challenging part of my job can sometimes be that there are not enough hours in the day! Time goes by fast when you’re having fun.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy cooking and playing in the kitchen. It’s not a surprise that I love being around food. My kids like to make special requests (desserts mostly, haha) and they are my favorite people to cook for.
Featured Staff Member for July 2021
Matt Czarnowski, Product Manager - Procurement Solutions
When did you join the university?
I’ve joined UC Davis on more than one occasion! My very first job at the University was at the California National Primate Research Center, where I worked on studies that focused on the effects of manganese and iron on juvenile development. Later, I would work with University Extension (now Continuing and Professional Education) putting on trainings and conferences all around the state. I joined Supply Chain Management 4 years ago to work on our travel and purchasing systems.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
Officially, my title is: Product Manager- Procurement Solutions. I am responsible for the eProcurement systems we operate. Put simply: I’m in charge of AggieBuy! I maintain the system and its interfaces, oversee the help desk, work on process improvements, coordinate trainings for suppliers and campus users, and try to keep things nice and shiny. I try very hard to make sure AggieBuy is giving University purchasers what they need. There is water at the bottom of the ocean.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love the variety of things I get to work on here; it’s almost never a dull moment. Especially this past year, it’s been a lot of team work to find solutions to novel problems. I work with a lot of different groups, both on campus and at other UCs, and I love collaborating with them.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Working on any large software platform (like the one AggieBuy is built on), we’re limited in what changes we can make. This can make it harder to address issues that do arise, and sometimes we have to manage them through complicated work-arounds.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
My wife and I love to travel and get outdoors, including cycling, hiking, camping, backpacking, and being on the water. I am an amateur mixologist who has entered cocktail competitions (never won!) and held a Tiki Party in our backyard. I think we have a great local theater scene here in Sacramento, so I’m eager for it to come back. I really enjoy board games, but my shelving is currently full so I can’t bring any more home.
Featured Staff Member for June 2021
Pao Xiong, Disbursement Processor
When did you join the university?
I started at UC Davis as a temporary staff in 1998 with Accounting and Financial Services. I was hired full time in 2001 with Accounting and Financial Services, Accounts Payable division, and now SCM, Business and Financial Services.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
Prior to COVID-19 while I was still working in the office, I took care of wire transfer payments, printing and distributing checks, and submitted some credit card payments. Now that I'm working remotely at home, I primarily handle the credit card payments. On occasions, I have been back in the office to take care of the daily check printing, check distribution and wire transfers.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy the variety of duties that I take care of around the office. There are other miscellaneous tasks that I also handle. It's rewarding to know that I am completing the last part of the payment cycle here at UC Davis.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
During this time of remote work, there are long wait times to get through to a few vendors' customer service representatives. On some calls, I've been on hold upwards of 30 minutes. Eventually if I wait long enough, the call goes through and I'm able to connect with the vendor.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, kids and family. Coming from a big family, there is always an event going on. I also serve and gather with my local church.
Featured Staff Member for May 2021
Erin Losado, Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Procurement Analyst
When did you join the university?
I started at UC Davis in 2007 working at the Primate Center entering data for the Research Services Team, moving into the Storehouse/Purchasing Unit in 2010, then on to the School of Education in 2012 where I eventually learned the Fiscal Officer and Contracts and Grants duties. In 2016, I moved on a Business Operations Manager of the BFTV Cluster, and in 2017 the opportunity arose to join the Procurement & Contracting Services team where I hold my current position as a Procurement Analyst III.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am part of the MRO team within Procurement & Contracting Services. I review and finalize requests for Purchase Orders, Purchase Agreements, and RFPs to ensure that the University is protected and all requests are compliant and within Policy.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy that the variety of inquires that come across my desk on a daily basis keeps me on my toes. Additionally, with my experience working in multiple departments prior to joining the Procurement & Contracting Services Team I feel that I am able to provide a higher level of service to our customers.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
The biggest challenge of my job has mostly been since working remotely. I feel that there is a disconnect with the ever changing environment that we work in. I do my best to ensure that our customers understand where to find the most accurate information on our website as well as the reason behind the changes. As a public institution we have many rules, guidelines and laws we are required to follow.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
When I’m not working I enjoy riding Harleys, camping, and adventuring with my husband.
Featured Staff Member for April 2021
Vartan Vartkessian, Bank Card and Supplier Services Manager
When did you join the university?
I joined the university five years ago this April.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I manage the UC Davis' card program which involves the Travel card, Procurement card, and Virtual cards. I also oversee the Supplier Services Desk, where we onboard outside suppliers into our financial management system so that we can pay them.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I have many favorite parts to my job. First and foremost I consider myself very fortunate to work for a university the caliber of UC Davis. I thoroughly enjoy the people I work with, not just those who I deal with on a regular basis within my department but campus wide. Last year when we were dealing with all the challenges because of the pandemic, I marveled how employees throughout all departments came together to assist one another to make things happen. I take great pride in contributing to the success to my department, Supply Chain Management, and the university as a whole.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
As with any job there are obstacles when rolling out new projects, but it’s nothing that we haven’t been able to overcome.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I love spending time with my 9 year old daughter and 6 year old son. I also enjoy running, hiking, and the occasional Pale Ale!
Featured Staff Member for March 2021
Linda McCalister, Accounts Payable and AggieTravel Help Desk Analyst
When did you join the university?
I started in Student Housing in October 2001, then moved to SCM in 2018.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am part of the solutions team, working the Accounts Payable and AggieTravel Help Desks. I respond to the help desk tickets, answering questions, researching and resolving problems.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy the variety of questions that come into the help desks. Working with our campus departments and outside vendors, building relationships and providing excellent customer service. Learning something new every day.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Feeling a bit isolated working remotely. The Zoom meetings definitely help with staying connected.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Spending time with my family and grandchildren, which sadly I have not been able to do because of COVID. At home, I love watching movies, sewing, quilting and making jewelry. Working in my garden and pampering my house plants.
Featured Staff Member for February 2021
Ryan Ott, AggieBuy Help Desk Analyst
When did you join the university?
I joined UC Davis in 2019 after moving back to the Sacramento area. Prior to UC Davis, I graduated from UC Santa Cruz and worked in Business Operations for the Student Health Center at UCSC.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am part of the AggieBuy Team within Supply Chain Management; my priority is working the AggieBuy Help Desk. This means I regularly communicate with our AggieBuy users to offer advice, hear their input, and work to improve the user experience. Oftentimes I facilitate communication between our users and our AggieBuy suppliers.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love finding new unknown errors in the system. There is a ton of work and processes happening ‘behind-the-scenes’ that allows for the AggieBuy system to function properly and sometimes unknown issues can pop up. When some new error occurs, we do extensive reviewing and testing to find out what caused the error and how it can be resolved or prevented. This is a lot of work, but can be a lot of fun – like solving a puzzle!
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
There are some unfortunate limitations with the platform that AggieBuy is built on. These software limitations can make it hard to make certain changes and adjustments and can be frustrating because it is out of our hands.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy doing little projects around the house and trying to keep my hands moving and my mind occupied. I love playing basketball at the park but unfortunately have not been able to as of late.
Featured Staff Member for January 2021:
Kaitlyn Dalri, Product Manager, Distribution & Logistics
When did you join the university?
I joined the University at the end of 2015 as a Mail Services Emergency Hire. Shortly after, I became a full time employee at Mail Services, where I also worked with Bulk Mail and AggieSurplus. A couple years later, I worked at the AggieBuy help desk before coming to my current position as the Product Manager for Distribution and Logistics. I’ve been a part of SCM my entire tenure!
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am the Product Manager for Distribution and Logistics and am a part of the Solutions Team at SCM. I manage the systems that customers use that are owned by D&L, mainly AggieShip and Supplies Manager, a module connected to AggieBuy used for SCM Store’s inventory management. I maintain the systems, make suggestions on business processes based on system capabilities, and gather customer feedback.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is working on our systems to make them work better for our customers, from setting fields to auto-default to creating enhancements that allow for a more robust utilization of our systems by UC Davis employees. My goal is for customers to utilize our systems to their fullest potential.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
The most challenging part of my job is working within the software limitations of the systems I manage. I can make very specific, limited changes, but I cannot make the system do everything I would want it to do.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
When I’m not working, I enjoy taking long walks outside and binge watching the Great British Baking Show. I find those two activities play well with each other, as I often get the urge to bake after watching the show.
Special Edition: Phillip Lacey, Director of Distribution & Logistics
Photo courtesy of FOA
Editor's note: Phil Lacey, Director of Distribution & Logistics, is retiring after 23 years of service to UC Davis. Below he reflects on his time at UC Davis and the evolution of Distribution & Logistics. Supply Chain Management is grateful for his contributions and wishes him all the best!
Leadership Style
I joined Materiel Management in 1997, following successful management careers in banking and retail multi-store operations. Over the years, I have adopted a servant leadership style, whether fulfilling my job duties or in my personal endeavors. It is from that perspective that I have leveraged the value of building relationships, trust and respect. Accordingly, throughout my public and private sector careers and ministries my successes were attributable to that leadership style which President Theodore Roosevelt epitomized when he stated, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Far too often I have witnessed organizational derailment as a result of not having the wisdom to follow that basic principle.
Growth
Over the years, my team grew from a staff of 12 to roughly 80 persons, (about half the size of today’s Supply Chain Management organization). Around 2001, my Central Storehouse, Physical Plant storeroom-Location 3, and Central Receiving operations added UCD/UCDH - Mail Division and the Bulk Mail Center to its portfolio. Since then I have assumed additional leadership of the Bargain Barn (now AggieSurplus), Microscope Services, Furniture Program, Vet Med Central storeroom, Vet Med 3B storeroom, MRO storeroom, Chem storeroom and Repro Graphics. I also established the campus storage and shred program and incorporated technology into mail processing and inventory/print management activities. With the addition of these responsibilities, I have spent a career specializing in change management, hiring staff and leaders reflective of the micro and macro organizational vision/values while collaborating on a multitude of initiatives.
Giving
While there are many projects and accomplishments that I can reflect upon, a guiding belief ingrained in me since childhood is that it is always “better to give then it is to receive.” Not surprisingly, the most fulfilling achievement remains the annual Food Drive that I rejuvenated years ago. Since then the university has blessed families with literally tons of food throughout the Yolo County, Sacramento Communities… and most recently the ASUCD food pantry.
Lastly, I live by the credo that “Wisdom is the right application of knowledge.” It is that wisdom that has sustained my career and that will guide me throughout my future endeavors.
Featured Staff Member for November 2020:
Jim Hewlett, Training and Website Developer, SCM Communications Team
When did you join the university?
I started my UC Davis "adventure" in 1990, as a student studying Rhetoric and Communications. My UC Davis employment started a couple of years later, in 1992, as a student employee in Land, Air, and Water Resources (LAWR) as a lab assistant, grinding straw for a research project examining nitrogen levels in different types of straw. None of my jobs on campus since then have involved any straw, but I worked for many years in Accounting & Financial Services as an instructor for the financial system known as "DaFIS" (many of you remember that one!), before moving to Supply Chain Management in March 2016.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am part of the communications team, where I develop new online training modules, create and update website content, and draft email messaging on a wide variety of business processes and systems, including but not limited to, AggieBuy, AggieShip, and the Card programs (Travel and Procurement Cards).
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love the variety of the topics I get to explore and learn more about as I create training and communications! In the last month, I was able to create new online training on tax-free alcohol and accounts payable processing...two totally different subject matter areas, with their own specific customers and business processes. I also love helping our customers improve their business processes through training and communications. And, of course, I enjoy the SCM staff and other university employees with whom I regularly interact; their feedback and questions are integral for creating relevant and meaningful training and communications.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
These days, it's getting used to the "remote working thing." It's sometimes more challenging getting timely feedback on training and website projects when we're not all sitting in the same room. But, perseverance is key, and we still find ways to use technology, like Zoom, to get everyone's feedback captured and incorporated into the final product!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Before the pandemic, I spent a lot of time on stage, acting in local community theater, with Shakespearean jesters being a personal favorite role! These days, I enjoy creating podcasts on health and wellness and community empowerment that also air on the UC Davis radio station, KDVS 90.3FM, each Friday at 5pm. I also enjoy music countdown programs, reading about urban and transportation planning, walking barefoot, and spending time with my "full-time pandemic colleague," my cat, Roger!
Featured Staff Member for October 2020:
Robert Jahn, Invoicing Supervisor, Accounts Payable
When did you join the university?
I started in 1998 at Fleet Services. I moved to Molecular & Cellular Biology, the Music Department, the Arts Administrative Group, the Shared Services Center and now SCM.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I supervise the Accounts Payable Invoicing team, but I wear many other hats. I do whatever needs to get done.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
It was interacting with all the people in our building. Now, working remotely, as I have a window to look outside again.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Being pulled in many directions all day, every day. It is definitely time consuming and can be exhausting.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Playing guitar and keyboards in our band RetroSpecs, shooting action pistol competitions, traveling the world, tinkering around the house, hanging out with my wife Ali and “son” Andy. {Editor's note: Andy is a dog and a Very Good Boy!}
Featured Staff Member for September 2020:
Raul Pereyra, Mail Services Route Driver
When did you join the university?
I started at UC Davis in March of 2008.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
My main duty is a route driver, but every now and then I’ll fill in with the warehouse crew or with Special Services.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy the interaction with the folks at the shop and on the road.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
The wind...I’m kidding! In our line of work, fulfilling the customer needs is always a challenge. The COVID -19 issues have created obstacles we deal with here at the shop. Overnight, we went from a distributor that delivered to our customers on campus and outlying areas, to being a will call facility. All UPS, FedEx, and DHL deliveries were rerouted to our warehouse for us to house until our customer could will call them here. Some of our customers receive deliveries now. At times getting into a building can be a challenge. We’ve adapted to the new normal, and continue to move forward
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy competing, playing softball in the summer, and racquetball in the winter months. I recently took up tennis and pickle ball. Before the pandemic I was involved with various fundraisers and will do so once we open up again. I’m also involved with our church functions, gathering with family and friends.
Featured Staff Member for August 2020:
Bruce Robinson, MRO Store Supervisor
When did you join the university?
I joined the Supply Chain Management team on April 6, 2020, as the Storekeeping Supervisor 1 at the MRO (Maintenance, Repairs, Operations) store room.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am the Supervisor at Location 3 MRO. I help oversee that the inventory is kept accurate, organize work flow, track inventory levels, and work to help improve processes for the staff and customers.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Working alongside a team that wants to do things the right way.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Communicating new policies and procedures between departments in a timely manner. With so many things changing on a daily basis due to COVID-19, it’s been a little bit of a challenge making sure customers and staff know what has changed and how we will be handling these changes.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Coaching basketball, football, and being around my grandkids.
Featured Staff Member for July 2020:
Julie Alvarez, Life Sciences Strategic Sourcing Manager
When did you join the university?
I joined the Supply Chain Management team in September 2016 as the Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager for the Life Sciences and Medical commodities. I joined the ranks of UC Davis graduates in 1991, B.S. Genetics, College of Letters and Science.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
With the support of 130 other people in the SCM organization, we bring products and services to the university. I manage the part of the supply chain that connects the researchers to the suppliers of products and some services related to science, medical, veterinary, and agriculture. A Strategic Sourcing Manager is accountable to ensure the responsible use of public funds. I negotiate contracts, minimize risks, create efficiencies, resolve service and payment issues, and partner with key suppliers to maximize the value of the relationship for the benefit of the customers. Since March, during the days of COVID 19, the team kept the campus supplied with critical PPE and cleaning products that are in short supply due to federal allocations and worldwide disruption resulting from the impact of coronavirus. Along with my team and many other people, we are preparing the campus for the safe return of staff, faculty and students. Go Aggies!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I have the best job on campus! My favorite part of the job is learning how people work to support the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. I especially enjoy hearing people tell their stories about how they came to be at UC Davis. I am very proud to represent UC Davis on the UC Sustainable Procurement Working Group to promote principles of environmental, economic and socially responsible purchasing.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Before Covid 19, one of the biggest challenges was communicating important information about changes in contracts and suppliers to everyone who bought products. Today, as COVID 19 strains the supply chain, people now understand the importance of working together with our strategic partners. The pandemic has improved the communication and strengthened the collaborations allowing us to respond more strategically.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
During this unusual time of sheltering to keep people safe, I enjoy any opportunity to visit from a distance with my kids, family and friends. We are preparing for my daughter to transfer to UC San Diego in the fall! I stay busy at home, gardening, crocheting while watching movies and music performances, cooking, playing with my dogs, making home improvements and staying healthy. I like remembering trips to the desert, ocean, mountains, camping, hiking, snow skiing, live music concerts, baseball games and celebrating the bounty of California. I look forward to the days when we can enjoy the freedom to do all of this and more. Thank you, UC Davis, for all you are doing to make it possible!
Featured Staff Member for June 2020:
Mary Jackson, AggieTravel Product Owner
When did you join the university?
I started in February 2013 with what was then Accounting & Financial Services.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am the Product Owner for AggieTravel. I manage and maintain the AggieTravel system, lead of the Travel and Accounts Payable help desks, and ensure that our users and departments are able to use the AggieTravel system painlessly.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy being able to work behind the scenes to ensure our travel system is meeting the needs of our campus employees.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Trying to meet the needs of all employees and departments. There are a lot of different scenarios that occur with travel and entertainment and it’s tough to make sure everyone’s needs are met with one system.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, son, and daughter and doing anything outdoors.
Featured Staff Member for May 2020:
Donna Horbelt, Repro Graphics
Supply Chain Management is pleased to announce that Repro Graphics has a new director. Donna Horbelt joined us April 15.
Donna comes from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where she served as the director of Printing Services, overseeing a staff of 20 professionals performing design, pre-press, digital press, offset press and bindery services. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of College and University Printers, a non-profit professional organization focused on learning opportunities, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
While it’s not ideal to begin a new job in a pandemic, Donna said she is excited to get started.
“I’m enjoying it here,” she said. “I’m in the office almost every day. I’m meeting people, and while it’s not exactly how I’d have liked to introduce myself, it’s working well.”
Repro Graphics has remained open during suspended campus operations, continuing to provide print, copy, design and promotional services, although with limited campus activities, the nature of its business has slowed and shifted. Usually May is a particularly busy time for university printers, supporting numerous events, like fundraisers, open houses and commencements with print and promotional items. Much of that activity has slowed, but Donna said Repro Graphics has been working to support UC Davis Health with new projects related to COVID-19, such as patient letters, marketing materials and signage.
Once campus resumes normal activity, Donna said she intends to focus on meeting clients and improving customer service.
“I’m looking forward to meeting our customers, learning what they are doing and how I can help them,” she said.
Featured Staff Member for April 2020:
Britt Ramsey, Special Services
When did you join the university?
I started in early 2016, as a limited classification employee in Special Services. I did a short stint over at Student Housing before coming back to Special Services as full-time career employee in 2018.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I work in Special Services, where the project diversity is never-ending! I assist with a lot of equipment salvage requests, campus freight deliveries, ranging from pallets of salt to growth chambers, tax-free alcohol deliveries, and many furniture and whiteboard installs.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The furniture installs are always fun and challenging. It’s very rewarding to help a blueprint come to life!
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Some of the furniture installs can be challenging, especially if they don’t end up looking quite like the original blueprint designs. But, it’s rewarding to work with the customer to discuss available options, and seeing their satisfaction once a project is completed!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my kids, as well as being outdoors as much as I can. I love backpacking, cooking, playing the guitar, and disc golf. I think I’ve been to all of the disc golf courses in California, including the one right here in Davis!
Featured Staff Member for March 2020:
Robert Fischer, Card Program
When did you join the university?
I started in 2006 as an employee with what was then known as Materiel Management in a little store on campus called "Supply Express." Supply Express sold office and custodial supplies for departments.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I work as a member of the Supply Chain Management Card Program Team. I assist with the day-to-day oversight of the Procurement Card program, processing applications, and answering cardholder questions. I also act as a liaison between the cardholder and bank. With the upcoming Travel card changes, I'm also assisting with questions Travel cardholders may have.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Interacting with cardholders in many departments, while helping them resolve an issue or challenge, is always a lot of fun, and rewarding, too!
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Keeping up with the volume of incoming emails can be a challenge sometimes.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Spending time outdoors, golfing, running, and playing basketball, makes me happy. I like to spend time with my wife and daughter, as well as my 13-year old dog, and 17-year old tortoise-shell cat!
Featured Staff Member for February 2020:
Henry Ortiz, Special Services
When did you join the university?
I started in October 2007 as an employee with Special Services, and have been with Special Services ever since then.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I assist with Supply Chain Management Special Services projects all over the Davis campus and at the UC Davis Medical Center. And, there are a lot of projects! Projects include furniture installs (and uninstalls), installation of fume hoods and incubator shakers, campus freight deliveries, setting up tables and chairs for large campus events, whiteboard installs, and freezer installs (ranging from 50lb freezers to those weighing in excess of 1000lbs)!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy the variety of the work; no two days are ever the same! I love seeing what I'm able to accomplish each day and the hands-on aspect of the job. Each day includes working with different folks, at different locations on campus, and driving different vehicles, depending on the type of jobs assigned for that day.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Some of the furniture installation jobs can be quite involved and tricky.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and my 3 daughters. I also enjoy spending time in my garden, whether it's working with the fruit trees or vegetable gardening in the summertime.
Featured Staff Member for January 2020:
Michelle Valine, Procurement Analyst, Procurement & Contracting Services
When did you join the university?
I started in July 2000 as a buyer in the Procurement Department.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I’m a Procurement Analyst IV and the Team Lead. Purchase requests come to me and I review them over for completeness and I assign them to my colleagues. I also draft and publish complex bid projects and legal contracts. I do some teaching and education internally , handle vendor interfacing and problem resolution and try to serve as a on-call information resource to my customers.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy working collaboratively in the educational process with people who are seeking to learn how to procure things through the UC system correctly. I like finding more efficient and effective ways to do things. But most of all, the best part about the job is the people I’ve encountered over 20-plus years of service.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
We are a public institution. We have several requirements, rules, terms and conditions, laws. They aren’t set in stone. They aren’t static. They change, and it’s hard for some people to change or understand why they need to change. So I try to educate them on why it’s important to maintain compliance and how to go about it.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I compete in equestrian events and have for 40-plus years. I breed, raise, train and show registered American Quarter Horses in reining and other Western events.
Featured Staff Member for December 2019:
Eddie Montes, Financial Analyst, Business and Financial Services
When did you join the university?
I started in May 2018. I was in the private sector for the past 9 years since graduating from UCD, and I always thought it would be great to come back to contribute to the university.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
As a Business and financial analyst there is quite a lot to do. Some of my responsibilities for AP and Travel include building and maintaining account reconciliations to check for discrepancies that need be addressed. When working with Distribution & Logistics, I focus on KPI (Key Performance Indicator) reporting for all units as well as providing support for the store house operation financials. Newer responsibilities I have include overseeing the Supply Chain Management Data Analysis Team.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy working with people and the exposure to not just Supply Chain, but units from various parts of the university. After coming back to the university that I had spent so much time at, I realized how much happens behind the scenes and I really enjoy being able to contribute to that.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
In this job there are many different systems that the university uses like KFS, AggieBuy, etc. and getting used to them can be difficult and just as rewarding.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter and I’m also a big basketball fan, especially the Kings.
Featured Staff Member for November 2019:
Noreen McIntyre, Administrative Assistant, Central Storehouse
When did you join the university?
I joined the university as a temp in November of 1993, I was picked up by Central Storehouse shortly after and became a full-time career employee in April of 1994. When I started I was in data entry and the great people and supervisors are why I stay.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
My official title is ___ Administrative Assistant III and I am responsible for many different things such as ordering stock and special-order items and doing inventory control for Central Storehouse and reconciling two compressed gas accounts for the Cylinder Program.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is helping customers with orders and assisting with billing issues. I appreciate passing on knowledge that helps others with their problems. Ensuring that the compressed gas vendor accounts’ balances are correct is very rewarding and is one of the things I like to focus on.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
The most challenging part of my job is that there is not enough hours in a day to finish all that I would want to. It can build up with projects and the workload that I manage. In the end though, I find that having things to occupy me throughout the day is what makes the day flow faster and make the job more productive.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
While not at work I like to work on my yard, I am currently in the process of changing it to a low water landscape hospitable for people to enjoy. Usually on Saturdays you can find me working outside on my yard with my two rescue dogs a golden retriever and a terrier mix. While not outside I tend to read nonfiction and biographies and occasionally fiction.
Featured Staff Member for October 2019:
Linda Vermeer, Travel and Entertainment Analyst
When did you join the university?
After seeing UC Davis develop into what it is now I decided to join in February 2000.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I help train and integrate new members into AggieTravel. I started and worked my way from AP (Accounts Payable) to where I am now and with the experience I have, I feel it's only necessary to share and assist others.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Working with people! I find getting to know how people function helps keep the job very intriguing and rewarding.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Since I work with people, mostly they are my biggest concern and my passion. Everyone has their own individual way of looking at things, which keeps my job engaging as well as challenging.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I love my Kelpie dog, Dustie Rose! We often frequent the dog park on my days off. I am also in a bowling league and I am proud of bowling a 206 last season.
Featured Staff Member for September 2019:
Victoria Chege, Business And Revenue Contracts, Contracts Administrator Lead
When did you join the university?
I joined the university in March 2018 because it was an opportunity to work in higher education, something I have always wanted to do having been inspired by my mother whose career was in academia. It was also a nice transition from working for the State, and an opportunity to pursue my graduate studies.
What do you do at Supply Chain Management?
I am the Lead Contract Administrator for Business and Revenue Contracts. Essentially we review and negotiate terms and conditions of agreements with outside entities, on behalf of the university.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Gaining insight on the various projects and collaborative partnerships that the university is engaging in is something I really enjoy. It is rewarding to be that step in the process that formalizes the arrangement.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Reviewing complex, unique agreements can be challenging sometimes. The volume can add to the intensity, but the satisfaction in executing a contract is more than worth it.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Traveling with my family. The world is a large place and we always find new things to discover – we love the beach, so we frequent the California coastline. Would love to visit Hawaii one of these days.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |