In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, leadership in IT is more crucial than ever. We sat down with the VP of Infrastructure Services at UCSF, who joined the Central IT department in 2023, to learn more about her role, inspirations, and vision for the future.
The Role of VP, Infrastructure Services
As VP of Infrastructure Services, she plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering IT services across UCSF. "I am responsible for leading the organization and service delivery of IT infrastructure services," she explains. This encompasses areas like network, platform services, customer experience, digital workplace services, and identity services. Supporting the core missions of health, education, and research at UCSF, her work ensures that IT infrastructure remains robust, reliable, and innovative.
A Leader Who Inspires: Ginni Rometty
When asked who she admires in the technology space, she highlights Ginni Rometty, the former CEO of IBM. Rometty is a source of inspiration for her resilience, innovation, and leadership. "She led IBM through challenging times of transformation as its legacy business declined and was an early leader in AI and quantum computing," she says. But it’s not just about business acumen; Rometty’s focus on mentoring, empowering women, and the ethical implications of technology resonates deeply. "She has an impressive record of inclusive and ethical leadership," she adds, reflecting the kind of forward-thinking approach she aims to bring to UCSF.
Exciting Times for IT at UCSF
2023 and 2024 have marked a period of growth and transformation for UCSF, making it an exhilarating time for IT infrastructure. "It is an exciting time to be a part of UCSF," she says enthusiastically, referring to the business growth, IT transformation, and AI investments happening across the institution. As UCSF continues to evolve, the Infrastructure Services team is at the forefront, supporting and enabling these dynamic changes across health, education, and research.
Preparing for the Future: AI, Machine Learning, and Beyond
With technology constantly changing, she emphasizes the significance of staying informed and prepared. AI and machine learning are on the rise, alongside high-speed wireless cellular networks, which are transforming how we work and live. To keep up, she shares advice that has shaped her own career: "Nearly thirty years ago, my mentor once shared how important it was to do 30 minutes of daily professional reading. This is truer today than ever." It's a practice she encourages everyone to adopt as the tech landscape continues to shift.
Advice for Aspiring IT Professionals
For those looking to grow in their career at UCSF or in the broader technology space, she offers a piece of advice that speaks to courage and continuous learning: "Be bold and stay uncomfortable; volunteer for all experiences that you can. You'll learn something from all of them." This mindset of pushing boundaries and seeking out diverse experiences has defined her career journey and is advice she believes can help others navigate their own.
Her leadership in IT is not just about managing services and platforms; it’s about fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and inclusivity. As UCSF continues to transform and expand, her vision and leadership in Infrastructure Services will be key to shaping its technological future.
