UC San Diego Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

UC San Diego has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and advancement.

Driven by a commitment to research and innovation, UC San Diego fosters an environment of academic excellence and societal impact.

Leadership Roles at UC San Diego

  • Manager, Financial & Assistant Chief Operating Officer - Elena Lelea
  • Chief of Staff for Office of the President - Ryan Coryea
  • Director, Investment & To The Senior Advisor & Chief Information Officer - Dianne Klein
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Gillian Hemingway
  • Chief of Staff & External & Business Affairs Vice Chancellor - Catherine Ledford
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Judy Schweitzer
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Belinda Zamacona
  • Associate Vice Chancellor, Advancement, Operations and Campaign and Chief of Staff - Elizabeth Powell
  • Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of - Matthew Bellino
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Karin Marsolais
  • Elena Lelea - Manager, Financial & Assistant Chief Operating Officer

    Elena Lelea, the Manager, Financial & Assistant Chief Operating Officer at UC San Diego, oversees critical financial operations and supports the Assistant Chief Operating Officer in managing university-wide administrative functions. Lelea directs financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. This role involves analyzing financial data to inform strategic decision-making and optimize resource utilization across departments. By ensuring sound financial management, Elena Lelea contributes to the university's ability to achieve its academic and research goals. The focus is on maintaining financial stability and supporting the operational infrastructure necessary for sustained institutional growth and excellence.

    Ryan Coryea - Chief of Staff for Office of the President

    Ryan Coryea, the Chief of Staff for Office of the President at UC San Diego, directs strategic initiatives and operational execution for the President's office. Coryea manages cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and priorities. This leadership role involves coordinating high-level communications and stakeholder engagement across academic and administrative departments. By streamlining processes and facilitating decision-making, Ryan Coryea enhances the effectiveness of presidential directives. The focus remains on advancing the university's mission through efficient resource allocation and strategic planning, impacting the broader educational landscape.

    Dianne Klein - Director, Investment & To The Senior Advisor & Chief Information Officer

    Dianne Klein, the Director, Investment & To The Senior Advisor & Chief Information Officer at UC San Diego, oversees critical investment strategies and provides direct advisory support to the Chief Information Officer. Klein manages financial portfolios and directs investment decisions to support technological advancements and infrastructure development across the university. This position involves analyzing market trends and identifying opportunities for strategic capital allocation. By ensuring robust financial planning, Dianne Klein supports the CIO's vision for technological innovation and operational efficiency. The role is pivotal in securing resources for future growth and maintaining the university's competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

    Gillian Hemingway - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Gillian Hemingway, the Deputy Chief of Staff at UC San Diego, supports the Chief of Staff in executing institutional priorities and managing key administrative functions. Hemingway coordinates departmental efforts, ensuring seamless workflow and effective communication across various university units. This role involves overseeing special projects and initiatives that drive operational improvements and strategic advancements. By facilitating collaboration and problem-solving, Gillian Hemingway contributes to the efficient functioning of the executive office. The focus is on implementing policies and procedures that uphold the university's commitment to academic excellence and research innovation, impacting daily operations and long-term planning.

    Catherine Ledford - Chief of Staff & External & Business Affairs Vice Chancellor

    Catherine Ledford, the Chief of Staff & External & Business Affairs Vice Chancellor at UC San Diego, directs strategic operations and manages external relations for the university. Ledford oversees critical business affairs, ensuring alignment between academic missions and operational realities. This leadership position involves fostering partnerships and engaging with external stakeholders to advance the university's objectives. By driving initiatives in business development and external engagement, Catherine Ledford strengthens the university's community ties and economic impact. The role is essential for navigating complex external landscapes and securing resources that support research and educational endeavors across the institution.

    Judy Schweitzer - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Judy Schweitzer, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at UC San Diego, provides comprehensive administrative support to the Chief Human Resources Officer. Schweitzer manages complex scheduling, coordinates meetings, and handles confidential information, ensuring the smooth operation of the HR department. This role involves facilitating communication between the CHRO and various internal and external parties. By maintaining efficient administrative processes, Judy Schweitzer enables the CHRO to focus on strategic human capital management and organizational development. The support provided is crucial for implementing HR policies and initiatives that foster a positive and productive work environment for all university employees.

    Belinda Zamacona - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Belinda Zamacona, the Deputy Chief of Staff at UC San Diego, collaborates with the Chief of Staff to drive strategic initiatives and manage key administrative operations. Zamacona coordinates cross-departmental projects, ensuring effective implementation of university policies and objectives. This position involves facilitating communication and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve institutional goals. By streamlining operational processes and supporting executive decision-making, Belinda Zamacona enhances the overall efficiency of the leadership team. The role is critical in advancing the university's mission through coordinated efforts and strategic project management, impacting both academic and administrative functions.

    Elizabeth Powell - Associate Vice Chancellor, Advancement, Operations and Campaign and Chief of Staff

    Elizabeth Powell, the Associate Vice Chancellor, Advancement, Operations and Campaign and Chief of Staff at UC San Diego, leads critical advancement efforts, oversees operational strategies, and directs campaign initiatives. Powell manages fundraising activities and donor relations, securing vital resources to support university programs and infrastructure development. This multifaceted role involves ensuring operational efficiency across advancement functions and driving the success of major fundraising campaigns. By strategically aligning advancement, operations, and campaign goals, Elizabeth Powell significantly contributes to the university's financial health and long-term growth. The focus is on building strong relationships and executing impactful strategies to further the institution's mission.

    Matthew Bellino - Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of

    Matthew Bellino, the Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer, Office of at UC San Diego, directs the university's information technology strategy and oversees its implementation. Bellino manages the IT department, ensuring robust infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technological innovation to support academic and research endeavors. This leadership role involves aligning technology initiatives with institutional goals and driving digital transformation across campus. By providing strategic IT leadership, Matthew Bellino enhances the university's technological capabilities and operational efficiency. The focus is on leveraging technology to advance research, improve student learning experiences, and streamline administrative processes, ensuring UC San Diego remains at the forefront of technological integration.

    Karin Marsolais - Chief Administrative Officer

    Karin Marsolais, the Chief Administrative Officer at UC San Diego, oversees the comprehensive administrative operations of the university, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across all support functions. Marsolais directs key areas including finance, human resources, facilities management, and auxiliary services, providing strategic leadership to optimize resource allocation and operational performance. This role is critical in implementing institutional policies and procedures that support the university's academic and research missions. By driving operational excellence, Karin Marsolais ensures that administrative functions seamlessly support the core educational and scientific endeavors of UC San Diego. The focus remains on fostering a productive environment and maintaining the highest standards of service and compliance across the institution.
    Karin Marsolais

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UC San Diego Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UC San Diego?
    UC San Diego is led by Elena Lelea (Manager, Financial & Assistant Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Ryan Coryea (Chief of Staff for Office of the President) and Dianne Klein (Director, Investment & To The Senior Advisor & Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of UC San Diego’s executive team?
    The executive team of UC San Diego includes leaders such as Elena Lelea (Manager, Financial & Assistant Chief Operating Officer), Ryan Coryea (Chief of Staff for Office of the President), Dianne Klein (Director, Investment & To The Senior Advisor & Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UC San Diego have?
    UC San Diego has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UC San Diego’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UC San Diego includes roles such as Manager, Financial & Assistant Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff for Office of the President, Director, Investment & To The Senior Advisor & Chief Information Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & External & Business Affairs Vice Chancellor.