Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Frace
October 2020

Lisa Frace
Senior Associate Vice Chancellor – Chief Finance and Budget Officer
University of California, Davis

How long have you been at your institution?

2 years

What is your volunteer position for WACUBO? 

First Vice President

How long have you volunteered with WACUBO? 

10 years

What do you like most about the opportunities WACUBO gives you as a professional? 

Volunteering with WACUBO has provided innumerable benefits. The networking and relationships built with colleagues from other institutions benefits not only me personally, but my institution. The collegial nature of Higher Education enables the sharing of information that just doesn't occur in industry, and this very much benefits the broader mission that we all support. I have also been able to hone skills that are complementary to those I use in my day-to-day work, including event planning, professional development programming and coordination of volunteers across diverse institutions. The friendships that are built with fellow WACUBO volunteers are incredibly special.

What is your greatest professional achievement?

Supporting the academy requires great teams. In each of my positions, I am most proud of the colleagues that I have had the honor to lead.

What is the most important professional goal you are currently pursuing, i.e, preparing to give a presentation, launching an initiative or program at work or in your community, etc.?

I will be taking on the Presidency of WACUBO in May 2021. The last year has been challenging, including the need to cancel the annual conference for which I served as Program Chair. Continuing the work of my colleagues who led during crisis and developing new offerings for our membership will be my primary focus.

Is there a resource, i.e, a book, blog, website, etc., that you would recommend to other WACUBO professionals? 

Before the pandemic, I would use my commute time to listen to a variety of podcasts. I listen to NACUBO's CBO Speaks and Howard Teibel's Navigating Change. Lately, I have been listening to Brene Brown's podcast: Unlocking Us.

What is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received? 

Are there any particular stories, insights, etc., from your experiences as a WACUBO volunteer that you would like to share with our colleagues?

I encourage everyone to consider volunteering with WACUBO - the range of experiences and the connections with colleagues will pay dividends.

 Return to October 2020 WACUBO News