Voting will begin next week for the Office of the President Staff Assembly (OPSA) Steering Committee elections. Check out the candidate statements — and get ready to vote next week.

Meet the 2024-2026 candidates

Teala Daniels-Cabral

Teala Daniels-Cabral

• Years of UC service: 16
• Title: Legislative Analyst, State Governmental Relations
• Job summary: Analysis and tracking of legislative bills introduced and amended in the California State Legislature impacting the UC System.
• Candidate statement: It would be an honor to be elected as a member of the OPSA Steering Committee. I seek membership for purposes of contributing to promoting the interest and wellbeing of UCOP career employees, addressing issues of mutual concern, and having a voice in offering opinions and recommendations to UCOP administration and others regarding policies, procedures, and programs. As a career employee with over 16 years of service in the State Governmental Relations division of UCOP, I could add a unique and diverse perspective in identifying relevant issues and opportunities facing career employees and helping to foster communication on matters of interest and importance. Furthermore, having an opportunity to work in the OP Staff Assembly would help me to grow, gain valuable knowledge, sharpen communication skills, and get to know others with similar goals and objectives, which aligns with my interest in professional development and networking. Please consider electing me to the OP Staff Assembly Steering Committee.

Doug Kanigher

Doug Kanigher

• Years of UC service: 3
• Title: Customer Service Manager, Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC)
• Job summary: I lead the RASC Call Center Department, responsible for supporting prospective retirees, retirees and their families with all UC Retirement Plan related questions — about the retirement process, health and welfare in retirement, and access to the UCRAYS portal and navigation.
• Candidate statement: My strong interest in joining OPSA’s steering committee is primarily tied to making an impact outside of my current role in RASC. I’m passionate about fostering collaboration and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard in decision-making processes. I believe my skills and perspectives would make a valuable contribution to the committee’s work.

Mahjabeen Yucekul

Mahjabeen Yucekul

• Years of UC service: 4.8
• Title: Senior Software Developer, Academic Affairs, California Digital Library
• Job summary: Develop and support projects and programs related to Open Access Presidential Policy implementation. Maintain and enhance UC Institutional Repository. Manage and contribute to open-source projects for manuscript submission system and preprint ecosystem. Supervise an employee and contribute to cross-training of members of the publishing team.
• Candidate statement: I would like to continue contributing to the success of OPSA. In my first term as a Steering Committee member, I have served as secretary, treasurer, and co-chair of the Career and Development Subcommittee. In collaboration with UCOP Learning and Development, I organized the leadership and managers panels. Currently, I am serving a partial term (one year) as a Council of University of California Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) delegate. OPSA hosted the CUCSA quarterly meeting at UCPath Center in December 2023 and I had the pleasure and opportunity to lead the effort. It has been a tremendous joy and learning opportunity collaborating with OPSA colleagues and UCOP collaborators. I want to serve a full two-year term as a CUCSA delegate and continue my service with OPSA to make a difference for UCOP staff.

Erica White

Erica White

• Years of UC service: 8
• Title: Benefit Billing Associate, Benefit Billing WFA
• Job summary: Account manager for employees on unpaid leave
• Candidate statement: I was an active member of OPSA from 2021-2023. I enjoyed being a part of the change. I would like to join again as our job supporting staff is essential and needed. I’ll propose new ideas for improving existing processes to enhance our work environment and support staff with positive communication. I want to work with leadership to enhance a fair and supportive workplace.

Voting for OPSA Steering Committee candidates will begin next week. Visit the OPSA website to learn more.

For questions, contact opsa@ucop.edu.

Tags: OPSA, OPSA elections, OPSA steering committee

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