From Surf to Strategy: How Ben Winerip Approaches Change at UCSF

Ben Winerip knows that no two days unfold exactly the same – whether he is in the ocean or helping manage the many moving parts of a growing academic division.

As Assistant Division Manager for Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine, Ben helps oversee operations that require constant adaptability, thoughtful problem-solving, and close collaboration across teams. Those same qualities have also shaped one of his favorite pursuits outside work: surfing.

An avid surfer since childhood, Ben grew up in a family where sports were central to daily life. He played soccer and volleyball, coached youth basketball, and gravitated early toward activities that required both discipline and flexibility. Surfing, in particular, taught him patience and how to adjust quickly when conditions shift – lessons that continue to influence how he approaches his work.

Before entering healthcare administration, Ben worked at an emergency shelter for at-risk youth, where he developed an early appreciation for teamwork, communication, and helping people navigate difficult situations. Later, in a patient experience role, he learned how to triage concerns, work alongside clinical teams, and understand the pace and complexity of medical environments.

Seeking to grow professionally, Ben pursued an MBA while continuing to work full time. During that period, the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped healthcare and brought new responsibilities. Volunteering in a hospital command center, he found himself helping lead through rapidly changing conditions and uncertainty.

 “COVID taught me how to move with unpredictability and still find hope,” Ben says. 

The experience became a turning point. Alongside the operational demands of the moment, he gained firsthand insight into leadership under pressure and the importance of staying steady when others are looking for direction.

After completing his MBA, Ben joined UCSF, where he now applies both financial and operational expertise to support the Division of Infectious Diseases. His work includes managing complex budgets, navigating NIH requirements, and helping ensure the division’s day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Colleagues value Ben’s calm approach and willingness to keep learning – qualities he credits to experiences both in and outside the workplace.

When asked about the mindset that guides him, he offers a simple answer: “Keep working at it.”

That perspective has helped shape a career defined by resilience, adaptability, and a steady commitment to helping teams succeed.