Cheryl Lloyd shares reflections from her 30-year UC career

Vice President of Systemwide HR Cheryl Lloyd is completing her service to the university this year after nearly three decades at UC. She will pass the baton to Dianna Henderson this Saturday, Jan. 31, then take some well-deserved time off before formally retiring.

“Cheryl has been a driving force behind critical work across the university, as well as a mentor, trusted friend, and source of inspiration to many of us,” said Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer Rachael Nava. “Her wisdom, guidance, and thoughtful approach to resolving even the most challenging situations will be deeply missed.”

Ahead of her departure, UCnetwork sat down with Cheryl to learn more about her career and the moments that mattered most.

When did you first start at UC, and what were your early work experiences like?

My UC story really started at UC Berkeley, where I earned my degree in mass communications and sociology. As a student, I worked at Doe Library, shelving books and helping add barcodes to the collection — which felt pretty cutting-edge at the time. Post graduation, I stayed on as a staff employee for a year, and that’s when my connection to UC really took hold.

When did you join the Office of the President, and how did your career there unfold?

After spending time working in insurance and risk in the private sector, I joined UCOP 28 years ago this month — on January 15, 1998 — as a line manager in Risk Services. From there, my career unfolded organically as I took on new challenges and said “yes” to many opportunities. I gradually moved into broader leadership roles, eventually serving as associate vice president and chief risk officer, and later as vice president of Systemwide Human Resources. Looking back, I’m struck by how my work evolved in ways I never could have predicted while always staying connected to my values.

What stands out to you from your time as UC’s chief risk officer?

A lot of meaningful work came out of that role. One of the things I’m most proud of is helping to create UC Care, the university’s self-insured employee health plan. It was a big lift and an important step for the university.

I was also working in Risk when Fiat Lux — UC’s captive insurance company that strengthened the university’s long-term risk management — got started. I successfully recruited leading innovators in the captive-insurance industry to UC, and their contributions helped grow Fiat Lux into the significant enterprise it is today. Bringing UC’s self-funded health plans together under one roof created a more coordinated and sustainable model and made a lot of the good work that followed possible.

How did your earlier work shape your approach to Systemwide HR?

In my role as chief risk officer, I collaborated with HR colleagues, especially on employment-related risks and efforts to help prevent harassment and discrimination. Gaining a deeper understanding of the employee side of the university reinforced what has always mattered to me — building strong relationships and trust. I spent a lot of time listening to how faculty, staff, leaders, emeriti, and retirees experienced the university — and that kept me grounded in what our community needed from HR.

That perspective carried into my time leading Systemwide HR, where I had the opportunity to rethink how the office showed up for the university. I worked with my colleagues to create a shared vision across UC’s human resources and leadership teams and — with a lot of hard work by a lot of people — translate that vision into real changes that help UC employees. One of the accomplishments that means the most to me is our work to transform the UC Retirement Administrative Service Center operations, bringing back retirement counseling and delivering a better experience for members.

What was the most challenging time in your career?

Leading through the COVID-19 pandemic was by far the most challenging. We had to move quickly to keep employees safe while figuring out how to send people home across campuses, medical centers, and UCOP. At the same time, many frontline employees needed to stay on site, and we partnered with campuses to sort through complex workforce and employment issues. It required a lot of coordination, clear communication, and trust, and I’m appreciative of my colleagues throughout the university who came together to support employees during such an uncertain time.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your time in leadership?

Much of my role has involved helping navigate important — and sometimes difficult — decisions. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with presidents, regents, chancellors, and medical center executives on employee and personnel issues, especially in moments that called for extra care and balance. I’ve always tried to keep both the people involved and the university’s values at the center of those conversations.

Helping colleagues grow has always been one of the most meaningful parts of my work. I’ve mentored many people during my career, and it’s something I’ve truly enjoyed. When I stepped away from my chief risk officer role, and now from this one, my deputies were chosen as my successors through competitive national searches. Seeing them step into those positions, ready to lead, has meant a great deal to me and feels like a very special full-circle moment.

As you reflect on your career, how does it feel to close this chapter?

I feel incredibly grateful — for the opportunities, the community, and the trust placed in me. UC has been a constant presence in my life, and it’s truly been an honor to serve the university in so many different ways. I’ve been inspired every day by the talent, dedication, and collaboration across the system, which gives me confidence in UC’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead. While stepping down is a natural evolution at this time in my life, I value what we’ve built together and deeply appreciate the people who will carry our work forward.

What’s next for you after UC?

I’m looking forward to plenty of beach time, spending time with my soon-to-be two-year-old grandson, and focusing on my own health and well-being. In 2027, I’ll see if I’m interested in pursuing other opportunities. For now, I’m taking a line from Jill Scott’s song “Golden,”  and “Livin’ my life like it’s golden.”

From the archives: Read more about Cheryl in her 2021 Staff Snapshot.