UC Davis Lean Community of Practice
The Lean Community of Practice (CoP) at UC Davis brings together individuals committed to improving how we work. Our goal is to expand knowledge of Lean principles, build practical skills, and foster a culture where continuous improvement is part of everyday work.
By connecting people across campus, we create a space to share ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen a network of practitioners dedicated to making processes more efficient, effective, and people centered.
Read more about establishing a Culture of Continuous Improvement at UC Davis
Our Goals
- Create a collaborative learning environment to develop Lean and continuous improvement skills
- Strengthen member knowledge, confidence, and practical application of Lean practices
- Expand awareness and understanding of continuous improvement across the UC Davis community
What We Do
The Lean CoP serves as a hub to:
- Connect colleagues across departments and disciplines
- Encourage open dialogue and shared problem-solving
- Build skills through learning, discussion, and real-world application
- Share tools, best practices, and institutional knowledge
At its core, Lean is about respect for people and continuous improvement. Through a shared language and collective experience, we support one another in driving meaningful, sustainable change aligned with the UC Davis mission.
Membership
Membership is open to anyone interested in continuous improvement - whether you're just getting started or have years of experience. Our community includes individuals with diverse roles, perspectives, and levels of Lean training, all united by a willingness to learn, share, and improve together.
Lean Ambassadors Bench (LAB)
The Lean Ambassadors Bench (LAB) is an engaged subgroup of the Lean Community of Practice, made up of individuals who are actively advancing continuous improvement across UC Davis.
LAB members go beyond participating - they commit to ongoing involvement by:
- Attending monthly working sessions
- Helping others problem-solve
- Sharing experiences, tools, and lessons learned from their own improvement efforts
News
Lean Insights is a newsletter published by the Lean Community of Practice, highlighting the people, projects, and progress driving continuous improvement across UC Davis. Each issue shared real stories, lessons learned, and tools you can apply in your work.
- Members of the Lean Ambassadors Bench (LAB) 2025-2026
Name Organization Aaron Etcheverry College of Letters and Sciences Alicia Webber Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Amy Burns Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Andrey Furmuzan Finance, Operations and Administration, Supply Chain Management Bernadette Hill-Comeau Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Erica Aichwalder Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Jessica Elizabeth Kvichko UC Davis Health, Operational Excellence John Dolan Continuing and Professional Education Krista Newberry UC Davis Health, Office of Medical Education Krystal Scruggs College of Letters and Sciences Lisa A De Bartolo School of Nursing Maura Mcloughlin Finance, Operations and Administration, Supply Chain Management Mayra Morales-Martinez Student Affairs Michelle Agnew Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Naomi Silguero Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Client and Infrastructure Services Phillip Roell UC Davis Health, IT Clinical Applications Peter Blando Information and Education Technology, Project Management Valerie Orick Finance, Operations and Administration, Human Resources - LAB Members 2024-2025
Name Organization Aaron Etcheverry College of Letters and Sciences Alicia Webber Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Amy Burns Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Bernadette Hill-Comeau Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Andrey Furmuzan Finance, Operations and Administration, Supply Chain Management Donelle Davis Student Housing and Dining Services Maura Mcloughlin Finance, Operations and Administration, Supply Chain Management Erica Aichwalder Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Krista Newberry UC Davis Health, Office of Medical Education Michelle Agnew Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Naomi Rosario Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Client and Infrastructure Services Peter Blando Information and Education Technology, Project Management Priya Venkatesan Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation - LAB Members 2023-2024
Name Organization Aaron Etcheverry College of Letters and Sciences Alicia Webber Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology Amy Burns Finance, Operations and Administration, Facilities Management Bernadette Hill-Comeau Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Christina J Corbett UC Davis Health, Operational Excellence Christine Herkenrath Finance, Operations and Administration, Budget and Institutional Analysis Jessica Kvichko UC Davis Health, Operational Excellence Erica Aichwalder Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Krista Newberry UC Davis Health, Office of Medical Education Michelle Agnew Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Naomi Rosario Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Client Services Peter Blando Information and Education Technology, Project Management Priya Venkatesan Finance, Operations and Administration, Administrative Innovation & Technology - Office of Business Transformation Stacie Aguil Finance, Operations and Administration, Shared Services Organization - LOA Services