Tonya Kubo

Co-Chair for Communications (Two positions)

Tonya Kubo

tkubo@ucmerced.edu

209-228-2501

Online Engagement Director

University Communications

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Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position:

I'm currently the online engagement director for University Communications, which means that I manage UC Merced's online reputation. That involves direct administration of UC Merced administration accounts on Linked In, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as monitoring what others say about the university on those channels, blogs and emerging platforms. Prior to this role, I handled the strategy, creation and maintenance of content on academic websites affiliated with the university's three schools. Before that -- from 2007 to 2010 -- I served as the public information officer and lead writer for Student Affairs and the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. In that role, I was responsible for promoting the accomplishments of faculty, staff and students. I also served as the team's crisis communications lead, handling reputation management and media relations during campus events such as as Michelle Obama's public commencement address in 2009 and the lab explosion in S&E 1 in 2008.

List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein:

UC Merced: Current Staff Assembly Communications Co-Chair, 2015-16; Career Advancement Mentorship Program (CAMP) mentee, 2015-16 
Community: MOPS International Area Coach, 2015-2017; Fremont Elementary School PTC President, 2015-17.

In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participating in events, or attendance at Executive Board meetings:

I served as Communications Co-Chair, promoting Staff Assembly opportunities and activities on social media, and on the organization website. As part of that role, I have served as moderator during spring Chancellor webcasts, volunteered at the food bank distribution, and volunteered at all major Staff Appreciation Week 2016 events. I also promoted the organization's participation in #GiveTueUCM, which sought to attract donations to the Staff Assembly scholarship for dependent children of employees.

If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution?

This past year on the Staff Assembly Executive Board has shown me the behind-the-scenes effort that's required in order to serve as the voice of campus employees. I believe that my skills and experience in the world of social media and online communication would continue to be an asset to the board and the membership. Having already served on the board, I believe that I will be in a position to be more effective in my role this year. My goal for the year is to further improve board communication and attract greater participation from the membership.