UC Merced Executive and Leadership Team

Kurt Schnier, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at UC Merced, directs the university's financial strategy, fiscal management, and resource allocation to support its academic and research objectives. Schnier's purview includes budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and ensuring the fiscal health of the institution, which is essential for sustaining its diverse academic programs and graduate offerings. This leadership position is fundamental to enabling innovative research in fields like health sciences and environmental studies, leveraging the university's unique geographic context. By maintaining sound financial practices, Kurt Schnier underpins the university's capacity for growth and its commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience. The Chief Financial Officer's stewardship ensures long-term sustainability and operational integrity.

Daniel Okoli, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at UC Merced, directs the university's operational framework, ensuring efficient resource allocation and the seamless execution of academic and administrative functions. Okoli's oversight extends to campus infrastructure, facilities management, and auxiliary services, directly supporting the university's mission of providing a unique educational experience. This leadership role involves optimizing daily operations to foster student success and community engagement across all departments. By streamlining processes and enhancing campus services, Daniel Okoli drives operational excellence, enabling faculty and students to focus on innovative research and academic pursuits. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic initiatives are crucial for maintaining the dynamic campus life that promotes diversity and inclusion.

Elizabeth Balbuena, the President at UC Merced, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution, guiding its mission to deliver a unique educational experience and foster groundbreaking research. Balbuena's responsibilities include setting the university's vision, overseeing all academic and administrative functions, and championing initiatives that promote student success and community engagement. This role is paramount in advancing the university's commitment to innovation, particularly in health sciences and environmental studies, and leveraging its position in the San Joaquin Valley. By steering institutional priorities, Elizabeth Balbuena cultivates a dynamic campus environment that embraces diversity and inclusion. The President's leadership ensures UC Merced's continued growth and impact in higher education.

Christian Snyder, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at UC Merced, spearheads the university's information technology strategy and infrastructure, ensuring robust digital capabilities to support academic and research endeavors. Snyder's responsibilities encompass managing IT services, cybersecurity protocols, and the implementation of advanced technological solutions across campus. This role is vital for empowering students and faculty with the tools necessary for innovative research, particularly in health sciences and environmental studies. By enhancing the university's technological backbone, Christian Snyder facilitates seamless communication and data management, crucial for fostering a dynamic and inclusive campus environment. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's leadership ensures that UC Merced remains at the forefront of digital innovation in higher education.

Anthony Smullen, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff at UC Merced, serves as a key strategic advisor, managing high-priority initiatives and ensuring alignment across university leadership. Smullen's role involves facilitating communication between the Chancellor's office and various academic and administrative units, driving the effective implementation of institutional goals. This position is critical for translating the university's vision into actionable plans, supporting its commitment to innovative research and student success. By coordinating efforts and optimizing workflows, Anthony Smullen enhances the university's capacity to engage with the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Nevada regions. The Chief of Staff's strategic guidance is instrumental in fostering a diverse and inclusive campus culture.

Leann Nascimento, the Chief Administrative Officer at UC Merced, oversees critical administrative functions that support the university's operational efficiency and strategic goals. Nascimento's responsibilities encompass a broad range of services, including human resources, procurement, and administrative policy development, all designed to enhance the student and faculty experience. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the university's administrative infrastructure effectively supports its commitment to innovative research and academic excellence. By optimizing administrative processes, Leann Nascimento contributes to fostering a dynamic campus life that champions diversity and inclusion. The Chief Administrative Officer's leadership ensures that support services are robust and aligned with the university's mission.

Tammia Rosselot, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at UC Merced, manages key administrative operations and strategic initiatives that bolster the university's capacity for academic and research excellence. Rosselot's focus includes driving efficiency in administrative departments, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, and supporting the overall student success framework. This position is crucial for aligning administrative resources with the university's commitment to groundbreaking research, particularly in health sciences and environmental studies. By enhancing operational effectiveness, Tammia Rosselot plays a vital role in cultivating a vibrant and inclusive campus community. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)'s leadership ensures that administrative support systems are agile and responsive to evolving institutional needs.