When people think about facilities management, they often imagine custodians, tradespeople, or technicians working hands-on to keep the campus running smoothly. But behind the scenes, there’s a small yet mighty team coordinating details that make custodial operations possible. At UC Davis, that team is composed of just two members: Elizabeth (Liz) Spurr and Ashley Amaro.

Between them, Ashley and Liz bring more than 15 years of direct UC Davis experience, with decades of broader work experience across multiple industries. Ashley contributes custodial knowledge and a strong customer service background, while Liz provides expertise in customer service and database management. Together, their complementary skills create a balance that keeps communication and operations moving effectively.

Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, but at the core, Ashley and Liz focus on one priority: ensuring staff and students across campus receive uninterrupted support. This often means coordinating between customers, custodial staff, vendors, and other partners. Emergencies, such as flood calls or supply shortages, frequently disrupt their workflow, yet their adaptability allows them to prioritize urgent needs while still maintaining regular tasks like weekly supply ordering and financial reconciliation.

A vivid example of their problem-solving ability came during a Picnic Day shortage, when supply chain issues threatened to leave custodians without essential materials. Liz quickly coordinated with supervisors and vendors, cutting down a two-week ordering process into just three days, ensuring that one of UC Davis’s biggest events ran without disruption.

Innovation also plays a central role in their work. After completing the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program, Liz revamped the ordering and billing process for DCA contracts. With support from manager Jasmine Aranda, the new system eliminated errors, saving the department more than $40,000 annually while freeing up countless staff hours.

The team also makes safety and compliance a priority. Ashley oversees training data distribution, tracks safety shoe orders, and ensures custodians have the tools and protective equipment they need to maintain safe, high-quality facilities.

Staying current is another area where Ashley and Liz excel. They regularly complete training through the UC Learning Management System, attend the annual ADMAN conference, and participate in webinars hosted by third-party partners, sharpening both technical and customer service skills.

At its heart, their work may not always be visible, but its impact touches nearly every corner of campus life. By combining communication, coordination, and a deep commitment to problem-solving, Ashley and Liz exemplify the quiet leadership that keeps Facilities Management’s custodial services running seamlessly.