UC Merced Executive and Leadership Team

Kurt Schnier, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at UC Merced, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Schnier oversees the university's budget, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring fiscal health across academic and administrative departments. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing revenue streams, and maintaining compliance with financial regulations. By implementing robust financial controls, Kurt Schnier supports the university's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education and advancing innovative research. Schnier's oversight extends to procurement, accounting, and financial reporting, critical functions for institutional sustainability and growth within the competitive higher education landscape.

Daniel Okoli, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at UC Merced, manages the university's day-to-day operations and administrative functions. Okoli directs campus infrastructure, facilities management, public safety, and auxiliary services, ensuring a seamless and efficient campus environment. This executive role involves strategic planning for operational scaling, resource optimization, and the implementation of best practices across all non-academic departments. By enhancing operational efficiency, Daniel Okoli directly supports the university's academic and research objectives, facilitating student success and faculty productivity. Okoli's purview includes overseeing major capital projects and ensuring the effective delivery of essential campus services, vital for UC Merced's continued development and community engagement.

Elizabeth Balbuena, the President at UC Merced, sets the overarching vision and strategic direction for the university. Balbuena leads all academic and administrative endeavors, championing the institution's mission of research, education, and public service. This paramount role involves fostering a culture of innovation, diversity, and inclusion, while ensuring the university's financial stability and long-term growth. By guiding institutional development, Elizabeth Balbuena directly impacts the quality of education and the impact of research conducted at UC Merced. Balbuena's leadership encompasses external relations, fundraising, and strategic partnerships, crucial for advancing the university's standing and fulfilling its commitment to the San Joaquin Valley and beyond.

Christian Snyder, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at UC Merced, leads the strategic direction and execution of information technology services. Snyder oversees the development and maintenance of the university's technological infrastructure, including networks, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems, supporting academic and administrative functions. This critical role involves ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of IT resources to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff. By driving technological innovation, Christian Snyder enhances the university's research capabilities and educational delivery methods. Snyder's responsibilities include managing IT projects, fostering digital transformation initiatives, and ensuring robust data management practices, all essential for UC Merced's operational excellence and competitive standing.

Anthony Smullen, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff at UC Merced, provides strategic counsel and operational support to senior leadership. Smullen coordinates key initiatives, manages special projects, and facilitates communication across university departments, ensuring alignment with institutional goals. This executive position involves overseeing administrative operations, policy development, and the effective implementation of strategic plans. By streamlining processes and enhancing organizational effectiveness, Anthony Smullen directly contributes to the university's mission of academic excellence and research advancement. Smullen's role requires a deep understanding of university governance and operations, enabling efficient decision-making and fostering a collaborative campus environment.

Leann Nascimento, the Chief Administrative Officer at UC Merced, directs a broad spectrum of administrative functions essential for campus operations. Nascimento oversees human resources, budget management, and administrative policy implementation, ensuring efficient and effective support for the university community. This leadership position involves optimizing resource utilization and fostering a productive work environment for all employees. By enhancing administrative processes, Leann Nascimento directly supports UC Merced's academic and research endeavors, contributing to overall institutional success. Nascimento's responsibilities include managing departmental operations, driving process improvements, and ensuring compliance with university policies and external regulations, vital for sustained institutional integrity.