First group of employees completes leadership academy

Nearly 20 staff members recently became the first group of employees to complete a series of courses designed to help groom current employees for future leadership positions at UC Davis Health System.

The group completed the Leadership Academy, a series of courses that provides instruction in managing performance, problem-solving, effective writing and other aspects of strong leadership. The employees took the courses during the most recent academic year.

The academy is part of UC Davis Health System’s succession plan for developing a pool of candidates qualified to assume the roles of individuals now in senior executive and administrative positions upon their retirement. A tiered program, the academy is aimed at health system managers and supervisors.

“I found that the program’s broad range of courses enhance leadership skills and abilities,” said Michael Gillis, administrative director of the General Clinical Research Center and administrative manager for the Clinical Research Investigator Services Program. “With a full day or half-day course scheduled every couple of weeks over several months, it was extremely convenient. I’ve been able to use several principles in my current role.”

Hugh Parker, manager of Workers’ Compensation, Ergonomics and Disability Management, said, “The knowledge and training the instructors provided were invaluable. I walked away from the course with tools that can be used in any situation, inside or outside of the work environment.” Parker added that the most valuable aspect of the academy for him was not any official course material, but the perspectives he heard from his fellow managers enrolled in the academy.

Teresa Porter, manager of the Compliance Office, also found value in the interaction and exchange of ideas with her classmates. “Attending the courses with 20 to 30 other health system colleagues, even though most of us already knew each other, allowed me to discuss freely new ideas and/or practice new techniques in an environment that provided valuable feedback,” Porter said.

The other employees who completed the first Leadership Academy were Wilson Yen, Annteet Tietz, Noel Sousa, Katherine Salazar, Janet Retke, Cindy Oropeza, Erin Allen, Jerry Bushberg, Susan DeMarois, Duane Hicks, Marcie Hunkins-Flores, Catherine Diaz-Khansfield, BJ Lagunday, Kathy Lelevier and Ester Munoz.

Employees who complete the academy will be more competitive for future leadership vacancies, said Gloria Alvarado, associate director, Human Resources and Risk Management.

Employees may nominate themselves for the academy, or be nominated by a supervisor/manager, or another individual who sees their potential for leadership. Human Resources will be seeking nominations for the next Leadership Academy in August. Acceptance notifications will be sent to applicants in September.