UC Merced Executive and Leadership Team

Kurt Schnier, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at UC Merced, oversees the fiscal health and resource allocation of the university. Managing the annual budget and long-term financial planning, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds support the expansion of research in health sciences and environmental studies. This role involves analyzing economic trends to optimize revenue streams and control operational costs across all departments. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, Kurt Schnier provides the stability required for academic growth and infrastructure development. The Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to align fiscal policies with the strategic vision of the institution. Through prudent management of assets and investments, Schnier secures the financial future of the university, enabling continued investment in student services and faculty recruitment within the competitive higher education sector.

Daniel Okoli, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at UC Merced, directs the daily operations and physical infrastructure of the campus. Overseeing facilities management, campus safety, and auxiliary services, the Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer ensures a safe and productive environment for students and staff. This role involves executing large-scale capital projects that support the university's growth and commitment to sustainability. By optimizing campus logistics, Daniel Okoli enhances the overall student experience and promotes community engagement. The Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer coordinates with various departments to maintain high standards of service delivery and operational excellence. Through strategic planning and resource management, Okoli supports the university's mission to provide a unique educational experience, ensuring that the physical campus remains a hub for innovation and academic discovery in the San Joaquin Valley.

Elizabeth Balbuena, the President at UC Merced, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire university. Leading the institution through complex academic and research challenges, the President defines the long-term goals for growth and community impact. This role involves representing the university to external stakeholders, donors, and government agencies to secure support for research in health sciences and environmental studies. By championing the university's mission, Elizabeth Balbuena fosters a culture of innovation and academic rigor. The President works closely with the Board and executive leadership to ensure that all programs align with the needs of students and the regional economy. Through decisive leadership and a commitment to excellence, Balbuena elevates the profile of the university, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in higher education and a catalyst for positive change in the region.

Christian Snyder, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at UC Merced, directs the digital infrastructure supporting academic and research initiatives. Overseeing campus-wide network stability, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across the San Joaquin Valley. This role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions and cybersecurity frameworks to protect sensitive institutional data. By modernizing legacy systems, Christian Snyder optimizes the technological environment for diverse research programs. The Deputy Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic departments to integrate advanced computing tools into the classroom experience. Through strategic investment in hardware and software, the office maintains high standards of digital accessibility. Ultimately, Snyder drives the technological evolution of the university, ensuring that digital resources align with the broader mission of fostering innovation and community engagement in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Anthony Smullen, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff at UC Merced, manages institutional strategy and executive communications. Coordinating efforts between the Chancellor and various academic departments, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff ensures alignment with the university's core mission of student success. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level decision-making processes and overseeing complex administrative projects that impact the entire campus community. By streamlining internal workflows, Anthony Smullen enhances organizational efficiency and promotes a culture of transparency. The Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff monitors progress on key institutional goals, providing critical support for the implementation of new academic programs. Through careful management of executive priorities, Smullen secures the operational focus necessary to maintain the university's standing as a premier public research institution in California.

Stephanie Peterson, the Chief Administrative Officer at UC Merced, manages the administrative functions and internal policies that govern campus operations. Overseeing human resources, compliance, and organizational development, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all departments adhere to institutional standards and regulatory requirements. This role involves implementing policies that foster diversity and inclusion among faculty and staff. By streamlining administrative processes, Stephanie Peterson improves organizational agility and supports the university's commitment to academic excellence. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align administrative support with the strategic goals of the institution. Through the development of robust internal systems, Peterson drives efficiency and accountability across the university. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining a cohesive and supportive work environment, ultimately contributing to the success of the diverse student body and the broader research mission.

Sharee Sok, the Chief Administrative Officer, , Community & Labor Center (CAO) at UC Merced, directs the administrative operations of the Community and Labor Center. Overseeing the center's budget, staffing, and outreach programs, the Chief Administrative Officer, , Community & Labor Center (CAO) ensures that research and community engagement initiatives receive the necessary support. This role involves managing partnerships with local organizations to address labor and community issues in the San Joaquin Valley. By coordinating administrative functions, Sharee Sok facilitates the center's ability to produce impactful research and provide valuable resources to the public. The Chief Administrative Officer, , Community & Labor Center (CAO) collaborates with faculty and community leaders to align the center's activities with the university's broader mission of social responsibility. Through effective management, Sok drives the center's success, ensuring that academic expertise translates into tangible community benefits and regional development.