Service Line Director, Surgical Services, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals 

Here is what Jessica’s nominator had to say about her: 

“Jessica has an incredible scope of work that she is managing with much success. Between launching a new QI initiative with 3 surgical subspecialties, co-leading the effort to formalize the PeriOp Q&S Subcommittee, and providing oversight for 8+ surgical services and their service line performance, she is a superwoman! She has been a wonderful partner to our BCH Quality Improvement Team, has a collaborative approach to everything she does, and despite every roadblock she encounters she is always enjoyable and positive to talk to. I couldn't think of a more deserving person to be featured in the newsletter!” 

- Nominated by Kristine Cannon 

Jessica's Bio:

I started at UCSF in mid-2006 not long after completing my Master’s in Healthcare Administration in the School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics. I was new to academic medicine and new to California, having just relocated from New Jersey in early 2006. I spent five wonderful years in the department managing the divisions of Nephrology, Pulmonary Medicine, Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, and Rehab before accepting a promotion to become the Director of Finance and Administration within the Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases. This was followed by a role as the Administrative Director for the Department of Surgery at Zuckerberg San Francisco General, where I really found a true passion for meeting the healthcare needs of our most vulnerable populations.  I also have a passion for mentoring and supporting the career development and growth of the next generation of healthcare leaders. As a graduate of the SOM Leadership Development Program (LDP), I remained active on the LDP advisory board and served as an Administrative Management Professional organization mentor until I accepted a new role in Oakland in 2014 as the Director of Business Operations for the Pediatric Multispecialty Medical Group, which was based at UCSF Benioff Children’s Oakland. This medical group integrated into UCSF faculty in 2020, at which time I moved into my current role as Service Line Director for Surgical Services for the Benioff Children’s Hospital enterprise. As a lifelong learner, I am also currently pursuing my Fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives and my LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.  

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?  

Put me on a warm beach anywhere in the world with a good book and I have found my happy place! The sand, the sun, the waves, and all worries are washed away. 

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? To a woman entering your field today? 

You may think you are experienced but you have so much to learn. In my first years as a manager, I was confronted with a lot of new challenges that no amount of education can prepare you for. Becoming a great manager is a trial-and-error process where all of your best growth comes from making mistakes and learning how to overcome them successfully. Never be afraid to admit you were wrong or that you made a mistake. Always have the courage to ask for help. I am thankful to have had numerous mentors along my way, both formal and informal, to help give career advice but also serve as a sounding board for my decision-making process. Learning from and leaning on others is what makes a good leader great and it is a process any manager should embrace no matter where you are in your career. 

What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment? 

My most important success in my career was learning that I could still be a rockstar career woman and an awesome mother all at the same time. Having my daughter in 2013 really changed the way I felt about work. I still wanted to be successful, I still wanted to climb the career ladder, but I had competing priorities now. I didn’t want to be in the office until the work was done and it was dark outside. I wanted to leave at 4:30 or 5 and spend time with my baby. I felt guilt – guilt for leaving work “early” and guilt for not being home. It took me years to accept that I had to find a balance that worked for me – both professionally and personally. I could have it all. It is okay to say no, or not right now to help find that balance where I can. Being a role model for my little girl inspired me to continue to pursue success without feeling guilty about wanting to never miss an important moment in her life.  

What do you like to do outside of work?  

Besides being a mother to a wonderfully inquisitive and intelligent 8-year-old girl, I am an avid gardener and spend as much time outdoors in my gardens as I can. I find this to be one of the most relaxing and rewarding activities and still feel a sense of amazement and accomplishment every time a seed sprouts up from the soil to grow into a beautiful flower. 

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF Health through Our Spotlight.