Program Support restructured to meet growing event demands

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to let you know about some new and exciting changes within UC ANR's Program Support Unit. 

The PSU team is integral to UC ANR's mission delivery and is a highly sought-after service partner. As the UC ANR organization has grown, so too has the demand for assistance with both in-person and virtual events, conferences, meetings, symposia, tours, trainings, etc. To ensure that this unit is optimally resourced and structured to support growing demands, we engaged a consultant to undertake a full organizational review including a benchmarking study of events management teams across the UC system. Based on those findings and recommendations, PSU will be restructured so that it is aligned to better serve UC ANR's diverse needs. The unit will now be divided into two sub-units: 1) External & Executive Events, and 2) Internal Research, Extension & Programmatic Events. Each sub-unit will be led by a separate director. This new structure will go into effect Jan. 22, 2024. 

I am very pleased to announce that Sherry Cooper will be the director of the External & Executive Events sub-unit. This function will focus on managing all high-profile external and executive events, including those generated directly through UC ANR's Vice President's office, those involving elected officials, UC Regents, the President's Advisory Commission on ANR, the UC ANR Governing Council, foundations, the Rosenburg Forum and other external affairs. This new role will also allow Sherry to apply her extensive experience and knowledge across the system on a variety of strategic projects.   

Given Sherry's transition into this new role, we will begin a search later this month for a new director to lead the Research, Extension & Programmatic Events function. The rest of the PSU team will be aligned under this sub-unit and will continue to focus on events that are requested by UC ANR administrative offices, statewide programs or institutes, RECs, county offices, UCCE personnel, etc.   

Although Sherry will undoubtedly have a full plate in her new role, she will continue to be part of PSU and will remain a valuable resource to the team as questions arise. PSU will continue to report to me. 

UC ANR is very fortunate to have an outstanding Program Support Unit and I have no doubt that during this transition, the entire team will continue to provide the same exceptional customer service and support for which they are known. Please continue to send all meeting/event requests using PSU's online form: https://ucanr.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0qY3nrex7360RWS and you may continue to communicate with the existing PSU mailbox: ANRProgramSupport@ucanr.edu. 

Please reach out to me if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Kathy Eftekhari, Ph.D.                               
Chief of Staff to the Vice President

Read more