Fun Facts: 
- Drives the Grey Line
- Drove tour buses before joining UCSF 6 years ago
- Grew up in San Francisco
- Green is his favorite color
- Loves the restaurants of Napa Valley
Which is harder, driving for UCSF or for tourists?
Tourists, their expectations were different. On tour buses, we allowed alcohol and drinking. That was often a problem. Driving for UCSF is very academic compared to freeway traffic or finding locations for tourists.
What is your favorite part of the job?
The interaction with the people. There’s so much cultural diversity at UCSF. People come from all over the world to work here. And, for instance, yesterday morning, I had about 30 passengers on one of my trips from Parnassus Heights to Mission Bay. On that ride alone, I probably had about 12, 15, maybe 18 people from different countries. For me, in a world of so much division and you see so much divisiveness on the news—here, I can work on a small bus, I can interact with people from multiple countries, and it’s unified. It’s so appealing. Here we are bringing people together, and we can put them on the bus—they can have their differences—but it’s a cordial and it’s a really really nice environment.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out at UCSF?
Look at UCSF as a career, not a job. I feel UCSF offers you a career, advancements. You can move from different departments, advance within the departments—it’s a long-term place. I would definitely encourage anyone (interested in a career at UCSF) that they have a long term idea of staying here, and not just having a job temporarily. CLS is a great organization. I’m 66 and have been around. This is the best organization I’ve been with.
What do you do for yourself when you're not working?
My wife and I spend a lot of time in the ministry, first and foremost. As far as hobbies, our passion is fine dining. Of course, if you’re dining, you’re pairing with wine. We spend a lot of time wine tasting. Gary Danko is one of our favorites, hands down. Order the quail, the salmon, or risotto - it's a really nice mushroom risotto.
Anything else you'd like your colleagues to know about you?
Keep it very simple. My favorite color is green. Fave movie: The Breakfast Club (the PG version). Again, I definitely enjoy the restaurants in Napa Valley, like Auberge d’Soleil and Meadowood. I don’t travel so I try to do things locally that I enjoy.
You are a bright, shining light! Every month, we will shine a light on one of our hardworking staff. Do you know a CLS staffer who deserves a little spotlight? Let us know by emailing, CLSMarketing@ucsf.edu.
This interview was edited for clarity and space.
