UC Merced Executive and Leadership Team

Kurt Schnier, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at UC Merced, manages the fiscal health and economic viability of the institution. By overseeing long-term financial planning, Schnier ensures that capital investments align with the university's commitment to LEED-certified infrastructure and sustainable development. The Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer directs budget allocations for climate action initiatives and campus-wide green projects. Kurt Schnier evaluates the economic impact of regenerative programs, balancing fiscal responsibility with the goal of ecological conservation. This role involves close coordination with the Board and other executive leaders to secure funding for decarbonization efforts. By analyzing financial data and market trends, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer supports the university's transition toward a zero-waste future. Schnier maintains the financial integrity necessary to sustain the campus garden, orchard, and other critical environmental programs while promoting long-term institutional growth.

Daniel Okoli, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at UC Merced, manages the physical campus environment and operational infrastructure. By overseeing the maintenance of LEED-certified buildings, Okoli ensures that all facilities meet the highest standards of environmental performance. The Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer directs integrated waste programs and manages the daily logistics of campus operations to support zero-waste objectives. Daniel Okoli coordinates with facilities teams to implement energy-efficient systems and sustainable land management practices across the university grounds. This leadership role involves optimizing operational workflows to reduce the carbon footprint of the campus community. By driving improvements in resource management, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer facilitates the university's transition to a regenerative ecosystem. Okoli maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the physical campus serves as a living laboratory for ecological conservation and sustainable development.

Dylan Gordon, the President at UC Merced, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the university. By championing the integration of environmental stewardship into the core academic and operational mission, Gordon leads the institution toward its climate action and zero-waste goals. The President facilitates high-level partnerships and represents the university in broader educational and ecological forums. Dylan Gordon oversees the executive team to ensure that all departments contribute to the university's regenerative framework. This leadership role involves setting institutional priorities that balance academic growth with ecological conservation. By fostering a culture of innovation and social equity, the President drives the university's impact on higher education. Gordon maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the campus remains a leader in decarbonization and green initiatives. Through strategic guidance, the President secures the university's position as a model for sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

Elizabeth Balbuena, the President at UC Merced, leads the university's efforts to integrate environmental stewardship into every facet of campus life. By defining the strategic roadmap for climate action and decarbonization, Balbuena ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of ecological conservation. The President oversees the implementation of zero-waste goals and promotes the use of regenerative frameworks across all academic departments. Elizabeth Balbuena coordinates with the executive team to align operational activities with the university's commitment to social equity and economic viability. This leadership role involves engaging with the campus community to foster a culture of sustainability. By driving institutional change, the President ensures that all buildings and programs adhere to the highest environmental standards. Balbuena maintains a focus on the university's role in the just transition, guiding the institution toward a future where ecological health and academic excellence are inextricably linked.

Anthony Smullen, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff at UC Merced, directs high-level administrative workflows and coordinates strategic initiatives across the university. By aligning departmental objectives with the broader mission of environmental stewardship, Smullen ensures operational cohesion. The Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff manages complex internal communications and facilitates decision-making processes for the executive leadership team. Anthony Smullen maintains rigorous standards for institutional efficiency while supporting the integration of sustainability goals into daily campus operations. Through the oversight of cross-functional projects, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff drives progress on decarbonization and zero waste targets. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with academic and operational units to foster a culture of regenerative practice. By optimizing resource allocation and administrative support, Smullen strengthens the university's capacity to lead in ecological conservation and academic innovation.

Stephanie Peterson, the Chief Administrative Officer at UC Merced, oversees the internal administrative functions that support the university's mission of environmental and social equity. By streamlining organizational processes, Peterson ensures that departments remain aligned with the institution's sustainability goals. The Chief Administrative Officer manages personnel policies and administrative systems that facilitate the implementation of green initiatives across academics and operations. Stephanie Peterson coordinates with various campus units to improve efficiency and foster a culture of accountability. This leadership role involves managing the administrative infrastructure required to support climate action and decarbonization efforts. By optimizing internal services, the Chief Administrative Officer enables the university to maintain its focus on ecological conservation. Peterson drives administrative improvements that enhance the overall effectiveness of the campus community, ensuring that all operational activities reflect the university's commitment to a just transition and sustainable resource management.

Sharee Sok, the Chief Administrative Officer, , Community & Labor Center (CAO) at UC Merced, directs the administrative operations of the Community & Labor Center. By managing the center's resources and personnel, Sok ensures that the organization effectively supports social equity and labor-related research. The Chief Administrative Officer, , Community & Labor Center (CAO) coordinates with academic and community partners to advance the university's mission of a just transition. Sharee Sok oversees the administrative functions that enable the center to engage with the campus community on issues of economic viability and social justice. This leadership role involves aligning the center's activities with the university's broader sustainability framework. By optimizing the center's operational capacity, the Chief Administrative Officer, , Community & Labor Center (CAO) supports the integration of social equity into the university's ecological conservation efforts. Sok drives initiatives that connect labor research with the university's commitment to regenerative practices.