Colleagues,
It is with bittersweet emotions that I announce John Fox's departure from the Division. Earlier this year, John informed me that he will be retiring, effective at the end of February, after more than 30 years of service to the University of California, the last five serving UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. There is no doubt that John's retirement is well deserved, though we will definitely miss his able and calm hands.
As you may know, John joined ANR as Executive Director – Human Resources in October 2015 after many years in the Office of President in various policy and leadership roles. I and the senior leadership of ANR have thoroughly enjoyed working with John these last five years, and I will always be grateful to him for taking on new responsibilities and important projects with me to improve the climate and well-being of the ANR communities. To highlight some of these important projects, we cannot overlook John's effort in implementing the multi-year CE Advisors and Staff compensation equity programs, designed to elevate ANR's compensation structures to more competitive levels. Most recently John played a critical role in implementing the ANR@work Survey, which gives ANR staff and academics an opportunity to give unfettered feedback and guidance to our leadership. Further, working directly with you and the leadership, John helped establish the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council for ANR (soon to be announced more widely). With that and much more, John's work will continue to help shape our culture in years to come.
I personally benefited every day from John's advice, dedication and strong work ethic.
As John transitions and starts a new chapter, I am happy to announce that Bethanie Brown will be appointed Interim Executive Director of Human Resources. Bethanie has been expertly leading the ANR HR Department in recent years and I am grateful to her for stepping up during this challenging interval. Additionally, Academic HR Manager Tina Jordan will assume new responsibilities including ANR's Learning and Development unit, and will also assume the responsibilities as ANR's Affirmation Action Compliance Officer. As the Director of Academic Personnel and AA compliance officer, Tina will represent ANR at all systemwide meetings and councils. Decisions to recruit for John's replacement and timing of same will be made later this year when we have more clarity as to budgetary conditions.
Please join me in thanking John and wishing him the best in his future endeavors.
Best Regards,
Tu
Tu M. Tran
Associate Vice President