Priya Lakireddy, Outgoing Staff Advisor to the UC Regents

Priya Lakireddy, assistant regional director of the Small Business Development Center at UC Merced, knew that she was stepping into the role of staff advisor to the UC Regents at a “transformative time.” President Drake and UC Merced Chancellor Muñoz were each beginning their second year of leadership; students, faculty and staff were returning to campuses; and it was “the right time to invest in the people who make UC great.”

Two years later, Priya looks back with pride and gratitude on her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advocate for UC staff. “I’ve seen first-hand how many doors are opened by the hard work of my colleagues — for the students and community members we serve, and for each other. When UC staff work together, we really are unstoppable.”

Applications for the position of staff advisor to the Regents are once again open for non-represented and represented staff or non-Senate academic employees who have at least five years of UC service, offering a unique opportunity to represent and serve your colleagues. The application period ends Friday, March 24, 2023, for a two-year term that runs from July 2023 to June 2025.

Priya has been serving this year alongside Jo Mackness, assistant vice chancellor and chief operating officer of UC Berkeley’s Division of Student Affairs. As staff advisors, they participate in open sessions and designated committees of the board of Regents, representing their fellow employees in UC Board of Regents deliberations and to decision-makers at the Office of the President. Staff advisors serve as non-voting members of designated Regents’ committees; they attend and participate directly in committee and board meetings throughout their term of service. They also meet extensively with staff to understand their needs and learn from their experiences.

Learn more and apply

“Serving as staff advisor to the Regents has been a life-changing experience,” said Priya. “Trust that you have something invaluable to offer and apply.”

To answer all your questions, Priya and Jo are hosting a live Q&A on Zoom later this month:

• When: Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, 12 to 1 p.m. (PT)
• Zoom: https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/93926631075?pwd=WmdIUFF4UzJBajE2MVNKb3Z3c3gvdz09

You can also learn more about the program and how to apply by March 24 on the staff advisor website. Please reach out with questions to Melisandra Leonardos, UC Office of the President Systemwide Employee Relations, at (510) 987-9018 or via email: Melisandra.Leonardos@ucop.edu.

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