Position Title
Director
WHAT I DO
As the Director of Ceremonies and Special Events within the Office of the Chancellor at UC Davis, Whitney Smith plays a crucial role in orchestrating and overseeing various ceremonial and special occasions for the university. With an impressive background boasting over 20 years of experience in the event profession, Whitney brings a wealth of expertise to her position.
In her capacity, Whitney is responsible for planning and executing a wide range of events, including but not limited to commencement ceremonies, ground breakings, dedications, and other special gatherings hosted on behalf of the Chancellor and Provost. Her role involves meticulous coordination and attention to detail, ensuring that each event aligns with the university's standards and reflects the significance of the occasion.
Whitney's seasoned touch affords her the ability to manage the complexities and nuances associated with high-profile events. Including liaising with various stakeholders, collaborating with different departments and external partners, and overseeing numerous logistical aspects such as venue contracts, guest lists, and speaker management.
In addition to her logistical responsibilities, Whitney also contributes to the development of event strategies, themes, and protocols, ensuring that each ceremony or special event aligns with the university's values and goals. She relies on her strong interpersonal skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage diverse teams to create memorable and impactful experiences for the university community.
MORE ABOUT ME
Whitney's true talent lies in transforming collective visions into tangible social experiences. Through her expertise, events become more than mere gatherings; they evolve into opportunities for fostering a sense of belonging among diverse attendees, ranging from heads of states and dignitaries to faculty, professors, and students alike. With a natural ability to challenge and inspire, Whitney's events serve as catalysts for generating ideas that not only fuel research but also enhance campus culture and drive philanthropy.
Prior to her return to Davis in 2016, Whitney dedicated more than a decade to her role as an event manager at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston, TX. During this period, she skillfully orchestrated events for distinguished figures, including national and international dignitaries, former presidents, ambassadors, and global leaders from around the world. This extensive experience prepared her for her current position within the Ceremonies & Special Events department, where she continues to bring her seasoned expertise to the University of California, Davis.
When you see Whitney at an event feel free to ask her about her challenge coin collection.
Affiliations
North American Association of Commencement Officers
Meeting Professionals International