Dr. Camille Crittenden, executive director of CITRIS and the Banatao Institute, has been honored with the 2026 University of California, Berkeley Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Award (COSA). This prestigious distinction, presented by the Chancellor’s Staff Advisory Committee (CSAC), recognizes staff members who demonstrate exceptional initiative and a profound commitment to the university’s mission of research excellence and public service.
Visionary Leadership in the Interest of Society
For more than two decades, Dr. Crittenden has provided visionary leadership at UC Berkeley, advancing responsible technology initiatives and expanding opportunities for students while ensuring academic research yields meaningful benefits for the public. Since joining CITRIS in 2012, she has been instrumental in scaling the institute’s efforts to address society’s most pressing challenges through information technology.
As executive director of the four-campus institute (UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Merced, and UC Santa Cruz), Dr. Crittenden oversees a diverse strategic portfolio. This includes the institute’s primary research thrusts in aviation, climate, health, and tech policy, as well as its robust innovation ecosystem, comprising the Marvell NanoLab, Seed Award Program and AIC Awards.
“By bridging research and policy, Camille ensures our students and faculty lead AI innovation with an ethical, public-interest lens,” said nominator Tamara Bock. “She has helped move Berkeley beyond simply reacting to tech trends to actively shaping national and global standards for responsible technology.”
Commitment to the Campus Community
The COSA highlights staff who go beyond their primary responsibilities to enhance the university community. Dr. Crittenden is celebrated by colleagues for her collaborative leadership style and her dedication to fostering a culture of belonging. This award follows her 2021 Excellence in Management Award from the Berkeley Staff Assembly, which recognized her resilience and intentional engagement with diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice (DEIBJ) during the pandemic.
“Camille Crittenden has led vital initiatives like the Policy Lab and EDGE in Tech, advancing tech policy and collaboration at Berkeley,” said nominator Jill Finlayson. “Her work has contributed to policy for the UC system, California, and beyond. Through cross-sector partnerships, she has influenced legislation, established Tech Policy and Responsible Technology fellowships, and launched major convenings like Tech Policy Week.”
About the Award
The Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Awards are presented annually at a ceremony held at International House. Recipients are selected based on nominations from peers and faculty, highlighting the profound respect Dr. Crittenden has earned across all sectors of the university. Dr. Crittenden’s nomination reflected a broad and collective effort, with colleagues from across campuses and disciplines contributing to recognize the full scope and impact of her leadership.
As UC Berkeley continues to lead in the age of AI and digital transformation, leaders like Dr. Camille Crittenden ensure that the human element—equity, ethics, and community—remains at the heart of innovation.