Celebrating staff excellence at the Chancellor’s residence

When you think about what makes UC Davis and UC Davis Health truly special, it’s not just the groundbreaking research or world-class care. It's the people – the ones who show up, dig deep and quietly move mountains every single day.

On April 22, 10 of these incredible staff members were honored at the 2025 Chancellor's Outstanding Staff Awards ceremony – a warm, spirited evening hosted at Chancellor Gary May’s residence.

Guests gathered in the courtyard as Tammy Kenber, chief human resources officer, opened the evening with a land acknowledgment and a warm welcome. Chancellor May followed, praising the winners for embodying the spirit of UC Davis: “What stands out most among tonight’s winners is their shared belief that we can always improve, we can always care more deeply and we can always aim higher.”

Each recipient was celebrated individually, receiving a certificate, handshake and photo with leadership from their respective campus. Clare Shinnerl, vice chancellor of Finance, Operations and Administration, Mike Condrin, interim chief executive officer of UC Davis Health, and Jita Buño, associate chief operation officer at UC Davis Health, also shared a few words about the vital contributions staff make every day.

After the ceremony, guests lingered in the courtyard, enjoying the sunset and good company – a simple but powerful reminder that while awards matter, it’s the people and connections that make UC Davis truly shine.

Curious about the honorees? You can read their stories on the HR webpage.

A look at UC Davis Health winners

Sarah Conning, Comprehensive Cancer Center
In the realm of oncology and palliative care – where clarity, communication and warmth are essential – Sarah Conning is a guiding light. A licensed clinical social worker at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sarah has spent the past nine years helping patients and their families navigate some of life’s most vulnerable and challenging moments.
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Christine Feller, Department of Pediatrics
When it comes to managing clinical research across pediatric divisions, Christine Feller is more than just a steady hand – she’s a strategic mentor and collaborator whose influence can be felt across the Department of Pediatrics and beyond. A UC Davis Health employee since 2007 and clinical research manager since 2020, Christine brings deep institutional knowledge and an unmatched commitment to supporting faculty, staff, and students alike.
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Shelly Gray, Carmichael Clinic
For the past 17 years, Shelly Gray has become a steady, respected presence in UC Davis Health’s ambulatory care network – first as a back office lead and now as the LVN Supervisor at the Carmichael Clinic. Known for her adaptability, strong relationships with staff, and calm leadership, Shelly has played a key role in building cohesive teams and improving clinic operations in multiple locations.
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Michelle Linenberger, Children's Hospital and Support U Peer Responder Program
For more than two decades, Michelle Linenberger has been a source of resilience and compassion for UC Davis Health. As a Nursing Professional Development Specialist and Program Director of the Support U Peer Responder Program, she blends clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and unwavering dedication to create a culture where both patients and providers can thrive.
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Nataly Magner, Alpha Stem Cell Clinic
In the quickly-evolving world of cell and gene therapy, Nataly Magner serves as both a scientist and a systems thinker – part biologist, part logistics expert, and always a calm force at the center of complexity. As a Cell and Gene Therapy Specialist at the Alpha Stem Cell Clinic at UC Davis Health, Nataly supports some of the most advanced clinical trials in the world, ensuring that patients have access to life-changing treatments that didn’t exist even a few years ago.
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