On Aug. 1, Pam Heintzleman joined UC Davis Finance as the new director of Payroll Operations, Accounting and Compliance. With nearly two decades of UC experience across five locations, Heintzleman brings both deep functional expertise and a strong record of problem-solving and service.

“Pam brings a deep knowledge of our payroll applications, policies and procedures with strong commitment to innovation,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and Controller Matt Okamoto. “We are excited to welcome her to UC Davis and look forward to her leadership.”

Heintzleman’s UC career began in 2006, leading her to payroll and project management leadership roles at UC Berkeley, UC Merced, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz and the UC Office of the President before arriving at UC Davis. Along the way, she has built a career defined by problem-solving, teamwork and service.

“Every UC location is different — different systems, structures and processes,” Heintzleman said. “That variety gave me a complete picture of payroll operations, from compliance work to streamlining processes.”

A highlight of her career has been her involvement with UCPath, the systemwide payroll and HR platform. Heintzleman served as the payroll lead in the UC Office of the President’s Project Management Office, traveling to campuses to support implementations. She later worked at UC Merced and began laying the foundation for its own UCPath launch. When the UCPath Center building in Riverside was purchased, Hentzleman was there to help develop job descriptions and early ideas for the organizational structure of the new center. 

Heintzleman is also a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and a leader in PayrollOrg (formerly the American Payroll Association). She has earned leadership and multistate certifications and was recently recognized at the 43rd Annual Payroll Congress for her work on IRS regulation compliance.

As an active member of systemwide committees, Heintzleman had already enjoyed the chance to work with several UC Davis colleagues before starting her new position. She looks forward to reconnecting with colleagues and building new partnerships across campus as she takes on the expanded scope of her new role, which includes both payroll and general ledger operations.

“Some things are familiar, and some are new challenges,” Heintzleman said. “But I’m up for the challenge! Everyone here has been so welcoming. It already feels like the right place to be.”

Outside of work, Heintzleman enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, keeping up with their busy volleyball and softball team schedules, cooking, swimming and having fun together. She also enjoys hiking, reading and springtime vacations in Mexico whenever possible, where she loves to go whale watching.

Heintzleman is also excited to bring one of her favorite celebrations to UC Davis, National Payroll Week, which is coming up in early September. For her, it’s a chance to recognize the hard work of payroll staff over lunch, trivia and staff appreciation activities.

“Payroll may not always be in the spotlight,” Heintzleman said, “But it touches everyone. National Payroll Week is a reminder of how important this work really is.”

With her experience, industry leadership and collaborative spirit, Heintzleman is ready to guide UC Davis Payroll operations into its next chapter.