Holly Smith Award Recipients

Jane Czech, ssociate Chair for Finance and Administration in the Department of Neurology and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the administrative director for the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, has made outstanding contributions to UCSF by stepping into key leadership roles during major transitions—including serving as interim CAO for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences—and by leading impactful projects across departments. She has helped expand community engagement, guided important departmental changes, and served on key School of Medicine committees. Her work on the WIN initiative and her role in planning and recruitment for the Weill Neurosciences Building highlight her ability to drive innovation and organizational change. Jane’s leadership is defined by positivity, humor, and grace. She brings people together, builds strong teams, and creates a workplace culture that is both supportive and inspiring.

"I am elated and humbled to receive this award.  It’s a highlight of my career! I’ve tried to follow Holly Smith’s approach to leadership, and it’s a great formula for making a positive impact. I treasure my colleagues in the School of Medicine and all that we can accomplish together."

Kevin Grumbach, MD, Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, has shown unwavering dedication to advancing excellence at UCSF. His roles at UCSF have been many: Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine; Founding Director of the UCSF Center for Excellence in Primary Care; Director of the Community Engagement Program for the UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute; and Vice President for Population Health for the UCSF Health system. He has played a key role in shaping programs like PRIME-US and the Center for Community Engagement, helping to embed equity, community partnerships, and innovative care into UCSF’s mission. Under his leadership, the Department of Family and Community Medicine has gained national recognition for its work in education, research, and clinical care. Dr. Grumbach is known for his humor, humility, and grace—qualities that make him an outstanding leader and mentor. He brings people together, supports others’ growth, and uses humor to ease tension and build trust, even in challenging policy discussions.

"At this moment in history when destructive forces seem so intent on breaking things, it is poignant to be honored with a Holly Smith award. Dr. Smith dedicated his life’s work at UCSF to building things for the broader good and the virtue of service. I am hearing his voice in this award calling on us to heed the better angels of our nature and not suffer fools gladly."

Peter Sokolove, MD, Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, has made outstanding contributions to the Department of Emergency Medicine and UCSF by supporting talent, encouraging collaboration, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. His accomplishments include founding the Pediatric Emergency Medicine division, growing the department’s research efforts, and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellness. Dr. Sokolove is a trusted leader and thoughtful collaborator who listens to different perspectives and helps find practical solutions that balance the needs of his department, the School of Medicine, UCSF Health, and the broader campus. He approaches the serious challenges of emergency medicine with calm, compassion, and humor—creating a supportive environment where teams can thrive and lead with purpose.

"I am profoundly grateful and privileged to have received the Holly Smith Award. I sincerely value the opportunity to collaborate with exceptional colleagues and engage in meaningful work together. Dr. Smith’s remarkable legacy continues to inspire all of us."