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Employee Spotlight: Joseph Garcia

By Jenn Taylor

“I feel honored to be part of ER. When I first started here, I already knew this would be my last place of employment – that’s a good thing, right?”

For the Division of ER, this being Joseph's last place of employment is a great thing, as his experience, eagerness to serve, leadership and engaging personality make him a valued part of the team.

Joseph was born in Fresno and, after a short stint away, returned to the valley he calls the “vortex that keeps pulling you in,” living in Fresno with his wife, Cecilia, daughters Samantha and Savannah, and son Joseph Jr.

Joseph’s stint away, though, was noteworthy. He served in the Navy as a MM3 Nuclear Machinist Mate, working on the primary propulsion system (nuclear reactor steam generator condenser, etc.) on submarines. We know why he works well under pressure!

He found time to earn his BSIT in Web Development and Design, which he applies to his position with ER. He began with the team in September 2019, right before 2019 hit, as the Web Communications Manager. Recently, he earned the role of Interim Marketing Director for External Relations. His current goals for the team include implementing processes and procedures to help increase efficiencies and make tasks easier to manage. One major project his team is currently working on with the assistance of IT is the implementation of ServiceNow as a ticketing system for all marketing departments.

When asked about what he enjoys about his job, Joseph definitively said “the people and making positive changes.” He added, “Implementing changes that positively affect my team is what it is all about. If I can lighten the load and make other’s life/job easier, then mission accomplished.” Change doesn’t come easy, though, and has been the biggest challenge in his roles. Even though the changes are intended to have positive impacts, getting people to buy-in to the vision can be challenging. Especially in an organization as large as UC Merced where change can happen slowly.

How does Joseph decompress from the challenges? His hobbies include playing dungeon crawler board games, video games and watching football and hockey. His favorite teams are the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Lightening. He is also a big fan of 805 beer, which washes away his sorrow when Da Bears take the field. Another way he spends his time (and drowns his sorrows) is retail therapy – buying collectables. From sport cards to comics, 3D printer stuff and more … and more … his Man Cave is bursting with his finds.

Joseph can be reached by email at any time – replies may be delayed when Da Bears take the field and the hour after while he’s wiping his tears. You can contact him at jgarcia571@ucmerced.edu.

Employee Spotlight: Joseph Garcia

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