Kristin Kielich, MBA LSS BB

Director of Operational Excellence, UCOP

Kristin Kielich is a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience driving operational excellence in higher education. At UC San Diego, she spearheaded award-winning Lean Six Sigma (LSS) initiatives, delivering over $250,000 in cost savings and operational efficiencies. Her work has resulted in the certification of over 1,000 LSS practitioners across White, Yellow, and Green Belt levels. Kristin’s expertise was notably featured as a case study on the GoLeanSixSigma podcast.

As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Kristin has led numerous process improvement projects, applying data-driven strategies to enhance operations across academic settings. Her dedication to fostering a culture of continuous improvement aligns seamlessly with UCOP’s Operational Excellence initiatives, where she now contributes her leadership and vision.

Kristin’s commitment to the University of California stems from a deep passion for advancing education and research to create a positive global impact. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including in sustainability, as an instructor at UC San Diego Extended Studies, and in UCSD’s Operational Strategic Initiatives. Each position has further fueled her drive to help the UC system fulfill its mission.

In the new role as the inaugural Director for OE COE, Kristin looks forward to finding innovative solutions that reflect UC’s "boldly Californian" spirit, ensuring that the institution continues to lead as a model of excellence in education, research, and operational efficiency.