UC Merced Executive and Leadership Team

Kurt Schnier, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at UC Merced, directs the fiscal health and long-term economic viability of the institution. Managing complex budgetary frameworks, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with the university's core mission of environmental stewardship and academic excellence. This leadership role involves overseeing capital allocation for campus-wide decarbonization projects and sustainable infrastructure investments. By optimizing resource distribution, Kurt Schnier directly impacts the ability of the university to maintain its LEED-certified building standards while supporting ongoing research initiatives. Schnier collaborates with other executive leaders to balance fiscal responsibility with the ambitious climate action goals defined by the Office of Sustainability. Through rigorous financial planning, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to advance the university's position as a leader in ecological conservation and institutional sustainability across the broader higher education landscape.

Daniel Okoli, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at UC Merced, manages the physical campus infrastructure and daily operational logistics. Overseeing the maintenance of LEED-certified facilities, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer ensures that all campus buildings meet rigorous environmental standards while supporting the university's decarbonization targets. This leadership role involves directing integrated waste programs and managing the campus garden and orchard to promote ecological health. Daniel Okoli drives operational excellence by implementing sustainable practices across all physical assets and utility systems. Okoli collaborates with the Office of Sustainability to integrate regenerative design principles into the campus environment, ensuring that daily operations contribute to the university's broader climate action goals. By optimizing facility performance and resource management, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer maintains a high-functioning, sustainable campus that serves as a model for ecological conservation within the higher education sector.

Elizabeth Balbuena, the President at UC Merced, provides overarching strategic vision and institutional leadership for the university. Overseeing the alignment of academic, operational, and financial goals, the President ensures that the institution remains dedicated to its mission of environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders and driving the long-term strategy for climate action and decarbonization. Elizabeth Balbuena architects the university's path toward becoming a global leader in ecological conservation and sustainable higher education. Balbuena collaborates with the Board and executive team to ensure that all institutional decisions reflect the university's commitment to a just transition and regenerative resource management. By setting the strategic direction and fostering a culture of innovation, the President enables the university to achieve its ambitious sustainability goals while maintaining its status as a premier institution for academic and ecological excellence.

Anthony Smullen, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff at UC Merced, coordinates strategic initiatives and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team. Overseeing the integration of administrative workflows, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff ensures that university operations remain consistent with the regenerative framework established by the Office of Sustainability. This role involves managing high-level projects that bridge the gap between academic departments and operational units, specifically focusing on zero waste goals and campus-wide green initiatives. Anthony Smullen drives organizational efficiency by streamlining decision-making processes and fostering cross-departmental collaboration. Smullen maintains alignment with the university's commitment to social equity and environmental responsibility, ensuring that all administrative actions support the broader institutional vision. By managing the flow of information and strategic priorities, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff enables the university to effectively execute its mission of ecological conservation and sustainable development.

Stephanie Peterson, the Chief Administrative Officer at UC Merced, directs internal administrative functions and supports the operational infrastructure required for institutional success. Overseeing human resources and organizational policy, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all administrative processes align with the university's commitment to social equity and environmental stewardship. This leadership role involves developing policies that promote sustainable workplace practices and support the university's zero waste objectives. Stephanie Peterson drives organizational culture by integrating sustainability into the core administrative framework, ensuring that staff and faculty remain engaged with the university's regenerative mission. Peterson collaborates with other executive leaders to ensure that administrative support systems effectively facilitate the university's climate action and decarbonization initiatives. By streamlining internal operations and fostering a culture of responsibility, the Chief Administrative Officer enables the institution to maintain its leadership position in ecological conservation and sustainable higher education.

Sharee Sok, the Chief Administrative Officer, , Community & Labor Center (CAO) at UC Merced, directs the administrative and operational functions of the Community & Labor Center. Overseeing the center's engagement with local labor markets and community stakeholders, the Chief Administrative Officer, , Community & Labor Center (CAO) ensures that the university's sustainability initiatives incorporate social equity and economic viability. This leadership role involves managing the center's resources to support research and outreach programs that align with the university's broader mission of a just transition. Sharee Sok drives the integration of community-focused initiatives into the university's sustainability framework, ensuring that ecological conservation efforts benefit the surrounding region. Sok collaborates with other administrative leaders to align the center's activities with the university's climate action and zero waste goals. By managing the center's operations and strategic partnerships, the Chief Administrative Officer, , Community & Labor Center (CAO) strengthens the university's impact on social and economic sustainability.