Three UCLA staff members have been recognized with UCLA Administration True Bruin Values Awards for their outstanding leadership, integrity and service to the campus community.
Al Ferrone, senior director of food and beverage, was honored for his visionary leadership in campus dining. Under Ferrone’s guidance, UCLA Dining has consistently ranked No. 1 in the nation by Niche.com, reflecting high student satisfaction and value.
Ferrone has overseen the launch of several dining venues, including Epicuria at Ackerman Union and the revitalized UCLA University Club. He has also expanded catering services, including offerings for Athletics, and championed sustainability through local sourcing and increased plant-based options. His efforts align with the UC Sustainable Practices Policy and have elevated UCLA’s reputation for culinary innovation.
Ferrone is known for empowering his team, fostering creativity and maintaining a strong focus on quality and service. His leadership has transformed campus dining into a nationally recognized model of excellence.
Mike Flaxman, a key contributor in the Human Resources & Payroll Operations Center (HRPOC), was honored for his commitment to collaboration, innovation and operational excellence. Flaxman played a pivotal role in transitioning the university’s pre-employment physical process from Brentview to Occupational Health, generating approximately $126,000 in cost savings and improving turnaround times. He also partnered with UCLA Health to enhance service delivery and championed technology to streamline operations.
Known for his transparency and thoughtful guidance, Flaxman helps departments meet their goals with confidence. His development of tools like Smartsheet has reduced onboarding inquiries and improved user experience. Colleagues praise his reliability and proactive problem-solving, noting his consistent impact on HRPOC and the broader campus.
In addition, Chris Silva was recognized for his transformative leadership in campus safety. For more than a decade, Silva has guided the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), building a nationally respected model for threat assessment and intervention. As chair of the Incidents of Concern Committee, Silva is a trusted advisor on UCLA’s most sensitive and high-risk cases.
In the past year, Silva managed more than 130 behavioral threat cases, led campus-wide trainings and secured expanded staffing through systemwide collaboration. He also revised the BIT Charge Letter to strengthen governance and align priorities. Colleagues credit Silva’s calm, principled approach with preventing harm, redirecting lives and fostering a culture of care and accountability.
The True Bruin Values Awards celebrate individuals who embody UCLA’s core principles of respect, accountability, integrity, service and excellence. Through their work, Flaxman, Silva and Ferrone have made lasting contributions to the university and its community.
Do you know an eligible UCLA Administration employee who exemplifies True Bruin Values? Nominations for the next award cycle will open in spring 2026.
