CUCSA celebrates outstanding UC staff and leaders with 2026 Annual Awards
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By Jen Bowser, UC Santa Barbara
The Council of University of California Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 CUCSA Annual Awards, honoring staff and leaders across UC who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting colleagues, strengthening communities and advancing the staff experience.
Each year, CUCSA delegates nominate individuals who exemplify the values of service, collaboration, inclusive excellence and leadership. These awards celebrate the many ways staff contribute to the success of the UC system, not only through their professional roles, but through their commitment to supporting one another and fostering meaningful connections across UC locations.
“These awards recognize the dedication and leadership of staff who go above and beyond to support their colleagues and strengthen their UC locations,” said Greta Carl-Halle, CUCSA chair. “Each recipient represents the collaborative spirit and commitment to service that make the University of California a stronger community for staff across the system.”
CUCSA congratulates all 2026 award recipients and nominees and thanks them for their continued dedication to supporting staff across UC locations. Their leadership and commitment help build stronger, more connected communities throughout the University of California.
Kevin McCauley Memorial Outstanding Staff Award
The Kevin McCauley Memorial Outstanding Staff Award recognizes staff members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting staff, fostering communication and strengthening community within their organizations.
Kelly Wood, UC Santa Barbara
Staff Engagement Program Manager
3 years of service
“A truly engaged individual is someone who feels challenged, yet safe and fulfilled, valued and recognized, and connected to their work and colleagues.”
— Kelly Wood
Kelly Wood has quickly become a driving force behind staff engagement at UC Santa Barbara. Through her leadership of the Staff Engagement Workgroup and development of initiatives such as the Staff Community Building Circle series, she has created welcoming spaces where staff can connect, share experiences and build meaningful relationships.
Her philosophy of engagement focuses on authenticity and inclusivity.
“I think there’s a misconception that engagement must be overt, big, loud events; extracurriculars; a source of cheerleading,” Wood shared. “While it can be these things, I also think that at their core, a truly engaged individual is someone who feels challenged, yet safe and fulfilled, valued and recognized, and connected to their work and colleagues.”
Wood takes pride in creating programs that support diverse ways of connecting across campus.
“These circles are a meaningful and safe space for folks to share, gain perspective and most importantly connect,” she said. “Although they are small groups, I think they make a big impact for individuals campus-wide.”
Kelsey Miller, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Program Manager, Human and Animal Regulatory Committees (HARC) Office
5 years of service
“I love working with colleagues who share my passion for supporting research and collaborating for the common benefit, a culture that I proudly see throughout the Lab.”
— Kelsey Miller
Kelsey Miller is widely recognized at Berkeley Lab for her leadership within the Early Career Employee Resource Group (ECERG) and her commitment to building professional development opportunities for staff.
Through her work, she established collaborative working groups focused on pay transparency, data sharing and dependent care, initiatives that empower staff to address workplace challenges together. She also launched learning forums and peer engagement programs that promote knowledge sharing and community connection.
Miller values the collaborative culture that defines Berkeley Lab.
“I most enjoy the opportunity to work broadly with people at every level of the Lab,” she shared. “I love working with colleagues who share my passion for supporting research and collaborating for the common benefit, a culture that I proudly see throughout the Lab.”
Her involvement in staff-focused initiatives began early in her career.
“I joined the Early Career Employee Resource Group within my first year at the Lab and happened upon a leadership vacancy,” she said. “I’m so thankful that I jumped in; it became the beginning of many opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and support initiatives that touch every corner of our community.”
Lou Gill, UC Irvine
Senior Director, Undergraduate Housing
26 years of service
“Supporting staff and fostering community is my way of giving back to a place that has meant so much to me.”
— Lou Gill
For more than two decades, Lou Gill has dedicated his career to supporting staff and strengthening community at UC Irvine. Known for his hands-on leadership and deep commitment to staff wellbeing, Gill has played an instrumental role in building connections across campus and advocating for fair and supportive workplace practices.
As a former UC Irvine Staff Assembly chair, CUCSA delegate and current internal operations chair, Gill has championed initiatives that amplify staff voices and create opportunities for engagement. He has also served on numerous campus committees focused on staff wellbeing and public safety and provides training as a certified mental health first aid instructor.
Gill credits his time as a CUCSA delegate with shaping his approach to leadership and collaboration.
“Serving as a CUCSA delegate gave me a broader view of the impactful work staff assemblies are doing across the UC system,” he shared. “That systemwide perspective helps me place UC Irvine’s Staff Assembly efforts in a clearer context and learn from proven best practices.”
His motivation to continue supporting staff comes from a deep personal connection to the UC Irvine community.
“I love UC Irvine and, after 26 years here, I consider myself an ‘adopted’ Anteater,” Gill said. “Supporting staff and fostering community is my way of giving back to a place that has meant so much to me.”
He encourages current delegates to fully embrace the CUCSA experience.
“Be like a sponge and soak up as much information and knowledge as you can from across the delegation,” he advised. “Your perspective matters, and others can learn from it.”
2026 Kevin McCauley Memorial Outstanding Staff Award Nominees
- Brenda Bowden, UC Davis
- Jasmine Belleza, UC San Diego
- Robert Stephens, UC Riverside
- Stephanie Casher, UC Santa Cruz
Outstanding Senior Leadership Award
The Outstanding Senior Leadership Award recognizes leaders who actively support staff, foster inclusive excellence and create environments where collaboration and innovation can thrive.
Michael Witherell, Berkeley Lab
Laboratory Director
39 years of service
“Everyone feels responsible for trying to build a culture of stewardship that enables the great science we do for the nation.”
— Michael Witherell
Michael Witherell has devoted nearly four decades of service to the UC system. Since 2016, he has served as the lab director at Berkeley Lab, advancing its mission while prioritizing staff well-being and the strength of the organization’s culture.
During his tenure, Witherell established the Stewardship Office and championed initiatives that promote mentorship, wellness and inclusive leadership practices. He has supported employee resource groups, encouraged collaborative decision-making and created opportunities for staff voices to influence institutional direction.
“I often say that Berkeley Lab’s most important asset is our people,” Witherell shared. “Our long record of success is in large part due to their commitment to working together in teams on grand national challenges.”
“The stewardship values of team science, innovation, service, trust and respect are how we talk about taking care of the Lab’s people, research and resources,” he said. “Everyone feels responsible for trying to build a culture of stewardship that enables the great science we do for the nation.”
2026 Outstanding Senior Leadership Award Nominees
- Akirah Bradley-Armstrong, UC Santa Cruz
- Alex Najera, UC Riverside
- Ann-Marie Musto, UC Santa Barbara
- Katherine Newman, UC Office of the President
- Tammy Kenber, UC Davis
- Terri Bush, UC San Diego
- Wendelin Slusser, UCLA
Outstanding CUCSA Alumni Award
The Outstanding CUCSA Alumni Award recognizes former CUCSA delegates who continue to support staff and advance the mission of CUCSA beyond their formal service.
Linaflor Layiktez, UC Davis
Director, Conference and Event Services
32 years of service
“When staff feel supported and valued, the entire university is stronger.”
— Linaflor Layiktez
Linaflor Layiktez is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing staff professional development, inclusion and community-building at UC Davis. She created impactful programs such as the Event Planner Certificate Program and Lunch & Learn series, equipping hundreds of staff members with practical skills and opportunities for growth. Her work fostering collaboration between staff and campus leadership, including initiatives like “Breakfast with the Chancellor,” has strengthened communication and built meaningful connections across the UC Davis community.
“My time with CUCSA had a lasting impact,” Layiktez shared. “Each role gave me a broader perspective beyond UC Davis and a better understanding of the different experiences staff have across the UC system.”
“Advocating at Regents meetings, especially during in-person public comment, was one of the most meaningful parts of my time with CUCSA,” she added.
That experience continues to shape her leadership today.
“I’m more intentional about creating space for staff voices, being transparent in decision-making and helping people see how their work connects to the bigger picture,” she said. “When staff feel supported and valued, the entire university is stronger.”
2026 Outstanding CUCSA Alumni Award Nominees
- Bryce Besser, UC San Diego
- Christine Davidson, Agriculture & Natural Resources
- Kaitlyn Legros, UC Santa Barbara
- Nathan McCall, UC Santa Cruz
- Ross French, UC Riverside
Outstanding Staff Assembly Board Member Award
The Outstanding Staff Assembly Board Member Award recognizes staff assembly leaders who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership and commitment to supporting staff engagement and development.
Joash Wampande, UCLA Health
Program Manager, Department of Medicine Physician Onboarding Program
7 years of service
“Serving as a bridge between campus leadership and the staff community reinforces the essential role staff play as the backbone of our institution.”
— Joash Wampande
Joash Wampande has demonstrated outstanding leadership through his work with the UCLA Staff Assembly, particularly in advancing fundraising efforts that support staff scholarships and professional development.
As vice president for development, Wampande led a successful fundraising campaign that raised $26,007 in staff scholarship funding, exceeding the original $10,000 goal and expanding opportunities for staff learning and growth.
“Through my work in faculty professional education, I recognized a similar need to strengthen staff professional development and engagement,” Wampande shared. “I was deeply motivated to serve in a role focused on identifying and securing funding opportunities that support staff career growth and advancement.”
He emphasized the importance of ensuring staff voices remain visible in institutional conversations.
“I ensure staff voices are heard by supporting structured, transparent channels for communication, collaboration and feedback,” he said. “Serving as a bridge between campus leadership and the staff community reinforces the essential role staff play as the backbone of our institution.”
Receiving this recognition reflects both personal dedication and collective effort.
“Receiving a CUCSA Award is humbling and meaningful,” Wampande said. “Professionally, this recognition reflects the collective impact of the UCLA Staff Assembly Executive Board and our shared commitment to advancing staff priorities.”
2026 Outstanding Staff Assembly Board Member Award Nominees
- Kate Dorff, UC Riverside
- Lisa Blanco, UC Santa Barbara
- Olivia Raxter, UC Davis
About the Council of UC Staff Assemblies
CUCSA is a systemwide staff advisory group representing all ten campuses, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and the Office of the President. CUCSA’s mission is to maintain and enhance communication between staff and UC leadership, advocate on behalf of staff interests and provide a staff perspective on issues that impact the university community.
The CUCSA delegation is made up of two representatives from each location who serve as active members of their local staff assemblies. Each year, CUCSA forms workgroups to focus on current topics affecting staff, producing recommendations to inform and guide UC leadership.
CUCSA members serve on numerous systemwide committees, ensuring the staff voice is included in decisions that shape the University’s future. Over the years, CUCSA has been instrumental in advocating for important benefits and initiatives, including the creation of the Staff Advisors to the Regents (STARS) program, expanded family benefits and systemwide staff engagement surveys.
Learn more on the CUCSA website and connect with CUCSA at our Linktree.
More information about the CUCSA Annual Awards, including nomination criteria and past recipients, can be found on the CUCSA Annual Awards webpage.