Cathy O'Sullivan

Cathy O’Sullivan is Chief of Staff to UC’s systemwide Chief Operating Officer, Rachael Nava.  In her role, Cathy manages various independent programs and administrative functions which further the strategic goals of the Chief Operating Officer. She serves as the senior consultant to and proxy for the COO on strategies for the division, which includes system-wide Information Technology, Human Resources, Strategy and Program Management, Operational Services, Environment and Sustainability and the local operations of UCOP. 

Cathy works regularly with her counterparts at the California State University Office of the Chancellor and the California Community College system to convene staff from all 3 segments of California public higher education to share best practices and innovate in administration. 

Cathy has been at UCOP since 2003 in different roles and departments.  Cathy is the past Director of UC’s Working Smarter Initiative, a portfolio of system-wide administrative efficiency projects and programs which delivered on its commitment to find $500 million in savings and new revenue over 5 years through system-wide administrative innovations.  In 2013, Cathy was named to chair the president’s UCOP Efficiency Review.  In 2016, NCCI, the national Network for Change and Continuous Innovation, recognized Cathy as a Leader of Change.

Prior to UC, Cathy was in the high tech industry at various companies, notably with Intel Corporation for over 7 years. 

Cathy has two degrees from UC: an MBA from UC Davis Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor’s Degree from UC San Diego.

Outside of full-time work, Cathy is a full-time mom to two school age daughters and volunteers quite a bit to support their activities and interests.