FOA bids farewell to 55 employees with over 1,250 years of combined service!

Finance, Operations and Administration extends gratitude to this year’s retirees for their commitment and dedication to making UC Davis a better place. They will be missed by all the clients and colleagues whose lives were improved by their hard work, particularly during these most recent challenging years.

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Kelly Ratliff | Vice Chancellor, 35 Years

35 years of managing budgets and financing kept Kelly hard at work on the third floor of Mrak Hall, but her impact can be seen throughout UC Davis and the community. From the Mondavi Center to Aggie Square, and from COVID-19 testing to university police reform, she’s proud of all she helped accomplish.

I’m proud of my team and the relationships I've fostered throughout campus which favor collegiality over competition, and put people- especially staff- first. I hope that I have influenced the culture in a way that will have staying power." 

Read more about Kelly

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Becky Vidales | Transportation Services, 37 Years

Becky found herself in a lot of roles since she started in Human Resources’ Collective Bargaining Unit in 1985. From working as a Typist Clerk to becoming an Administrative Services Manager, she’s learned and seen a lot. One of her first jobs was bookkeeping for Transportation Services, where she started during the rush of Welcome Week in 1999. There were lines around the building to buy parking passes— with “A” permits at $16/mo. (compared to today's rate of $70), and daily permits at $2 (compared to today's $12.) As she looks back over her three decades with UC Davis, she feels fortunate to have had so many unique opportunities and cherishes the memories she’s made during her time here.

My first task on my first day was to assemble a brand new computer that was still sitting in the box! I don’t consider myself a tech genius, but I guess I was just brave in my 20s. Then, on my first day at Transportation Services in 1991, there were lines all around the building. I spent hours and hours answering phones and selling permits – talk about just jumping in and figuring it out! But isn’t that the UC way?"

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Julie Fritz | Human Resources, 35 years

When Julie started working at UC Davis in September 1986, floppy disks were still in fashion, HR was in a large trailer where the GSM/Welcome Center now stands and nearly everything was done on paper. Fast forward 36 years, and she’s retiring from her position as the Director of Executive Programs and Recruitment. It's with great fondness that she looks back on her time at UC Davis, where she helped support the growth of campus and its operations.

UC Davis is a place where there is a strong sense of community and belonging, and where colleagues become lifelong friends. There is a quiet energy on the campus — where groundbreaking research happens all year long, where outreach efforts to improve the world are developed and delivered, and where students receive a great education. It’s really an amazing place in a small, unassuming town.”

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Nancy Van Tassel | Supply Chain Management,  33 Years

When Nancy first began working at UC Davis, she was a Data Entry Processor in Accounts Payable, but after gaining knowledge and experience, she worked her way up to an Accounts Payable Manager role. She has enjoyed getting to know a wide variety of people and helping them solve their payment issues, as well as befriending her many colleagues.

I’m planning to spend my retirement  traveling, volunteering and moving forward with the next chapter of my life. I want to find a hobby, explore part‐time jobs and spend time with my wonderful grandkids.”

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Teresa Alameda | Conference and Events Services, 32 Years 

As part of UC Davis' Conference and Event Services for the past 32 years, Teresa Alameda has worked on countless projects, conferences and events, and met hundreds of conference attendees. As the team’s Senior Manager, she found her work challenging and interesting, and learned something new every day. She'll miss her colleagues and clients, but is looking forward to having more time to spend with her grandkids, other family members, and friends.

 

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Chris Adamson | Design and Construction Management, 32 Years

Throughout his career as an Architect with Design Construction Management, Chris is most proud to have advocated for people with disabilities by improving accessibility on campus. He’s grateful for the countless opportunities and friendships his career has presented him, and is looking forward to retirement.

I’ve had the pleasure of playing a small role in the physical transformation of the campus, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work with so many amazing people. Now it’s time for some new adventures!”

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Michelle McArdle | Transportation Services, 32 Years

Initially hired at the Associated Students Business Office in 1990, Michelle McArdle quickly transitioned to an Operations Manager role at Transportation Services. She remembers when UC Davis' second-ever parking structure was under construction near the Quad and when “C” permits were only $10 –– now it’s $60. She’s enjoyed witnessing and aiding in the many evolutions of the department throughout her time there, particularly during the dawn of the internet age. When the department's long-time director retired in 2019, she was delighted to take over as Interim Director for six months. She has enjoyed serving the community in her various roles and is looking forward to what the future holds.

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Dede Wehman | Human Resources, 32 years 

Initially hired in a temporary role at the California National Primate Research Center, Dede soon transitioned to the Human Resources Department, where she has spent the past 27 years. She is grateful to have had the opportunities that allowed her to move from an Administrative Assistant to an Employee Relations Consultant. Her favorite part about her time at Davis is meeting a host of wonderful people with whom she has made many valuable connections.

In retirement, my husband and I will be moving to Monterey where we look forward to walks on the beach with our dog (which she loves!), golfing, traveling and spending time with family.”

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Steve Barnett | Facilities Management, 28 Years 

Steve Barnett, Superintendent of Structural Services, will retire after 28 years of service at UC Davis. Steve was first hired in 1994 as a Journeyman Carpenter for Facilities Management. When he was asked to transfer to the Lock Shop, where he got involved with big projects like rekeying new buildings and doing purchasing for the department. Steve moved into a position as a Senior Inspector, Planner, and Estimator (IPE) for Structural Services and eventually landed the Senior Superintendent job in October 2017.

• Read more about Steve

• This organization has immensely changed over the years, and I am proud to have played a role in its accomplishments. The growth I’ve seen in Facilities Management over the years directly reflects our hard work and collective commitment to keep up with changes and ensure this is a great workplace”

  Steve is excited to begin retirement and plans to travel around Europe for a couple months, revisiting places his father took him when he was young- including Germany, Spain, Portugal, France and Italy. He looks forward to learning how to play the piano and working on his hot rods.

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Michael Fan | Utilities, 28 Years 

Michael moved here from China when he was 30 years old, motivated by his passion for engineering to go to college and get hired at UC Davis. Upon graduation, he began working as a Wastewater Operator while he worked towards a Master’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Michael eventually became the Director of Utilities, where he expertly served the dynamic needs of customers and the campus.
 

•   Read More about Michael

• Michael’s positions with Facilities Management have changed over time, but his entire career was spent within the Utilities department. He was promoted multiple times, and says he owes his success to getting to know the Utilities Department from so many different perspectives.

  One of Michael's favorite parts about Facilities Management is the culture of support that pushes teams to grow, as well as the vast amount that there is to accomplish. He has incorporated this into his position as Director of Utilities by trying to identify the potential in people and provide opportunities for them.

  I am grateful to those who saw my potential and pushed me to be better – I never dreamed I would be here.” 

  Following his retirement this summer, Michael hopes to enjoy his newfound free time. He plans to continue living an active lifestyle and looks to forward to adding more marathons to the list of ones he has already completed (55!) He also plans to take backpacking trips and be outside as much as possible.

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John Zertuche | Facilities Management, 26 Years 

John began his UC Davis journey as a carpenter, and moved into various roles over the years. These include working as an Inspector, Planner and Estimator (IPE) for the Structural shop, a Renovations Supervisor, the Superintendent of Structural Services, and finally landing his last position in 2016 as a Director of Building Maintenance Services. John has been a fundamental part of UC Davis by providing outstanding customer service and comprehensive care for many campus buildings. 

• Read more about John

• John is well known for promoting his favorite motto: “Together. Everyone. Achieves. More. (TEAM)”. He's passionate about collaboration and has achieved a lot with his teams over the years. He has received two citations for excellence, one for general contributions and the other from Staff Assembly from Larry Vanderhoef.

  

  The most memorable project for John was the construction and installation of the Patwin Plaque at the Mondavi Center. John led this project alongside Bill Lonsdale and Kristin Ehnat, who all collaborated with UC Davis Professor Emeritus and world-renowned geologist, Eldrige Moores, to ensure that the stone used for the plaque was indeed California granite, as requested by the Patwin Tribe. He's proud that his team pulled together to complete a memorial that met the requests of the tribal elders.

  After his retirement, John plans to continue helping people and volunteering within the community. His plans include golf, spending time with his dad and spending the weekends with his grandson, Hunter.

  I always tell people to take advantage of all the classes and festivities that this place offers. There is no place like UC Davis, and I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this beautiful family!"

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Calvin Lee | Administrative IT,  24 Years

During his time at UC Davis, Calvin has been involved in many efforts on campus, attending almost all Staff Assembly meetings, events and activities, serving as Staff Representative on the Transportation and Parking Administrative Advisory Committee (TPAAC), and participating as a member of both the Veterans Constituency Group and the Asian Pacific American System-wide Alliance (APASA).

 

 

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John Lomas | Safety Services, 20 Years 

John Lomas has spent the last 9 years working as a Laboratory Safety Review Professional for the School of Medicine and the College of Biological Science. He was part of the original team that developed and implemented the Laboratory Safety Review program and has taught countless lab safety courses. John and his wife will be retiring to a beautiful beach town in Florida. He looks forward to spending his time fishing on his new boat.

Read more about John

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Trula Daugherty | Administrative IT, 6 years

When Trula moved to California from Colorado six years ago, she was delighted to be closer to family and find a new career. She joined UC Davis as a Business Systems Analyst and leveraged her years of experience in the industry to improve day-to-day operations at UC Davis. Over the years, Trula has worked on many projects across various departments and feels fortunate to have collaborated with such a large swathe of talented people.

After retiring from a great career, I look forward to spending time with my grandchildren and hiking.  I'm also excited to continue teaching meditation and yoga, as I have been doing through the years.”

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All 55 FOA Retirees from FY 2021-22