UC Santa Barbara Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

University of California - Santa Barbara has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, technology, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, [[University of California - Santa Barbara]] is dedicated to fostering a vibrant research environment and providing comprehensive graduate and undergraduate programs, shaping future leaders and innovators.

Leadership Roles at UC Santa Barbara

  • Chief Financial Officer - Eric Sonquist
  • Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer - Kerry Bierman
  • President - Maryn Hoffman
  • Club President - Hannah Ngo
  • UC President's Postdoctoral Fellow In Black Studies - Rashad Timmons
  • President - Lizette Gomez
  • Chief of Staff - Eric Rennie
  • Chief Information Officer, Office of & HR Partner - Valerie Janssens
  • Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office - Julianna Flores
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer - Joe Sabado
  • Eric Sonquist - Chief Financial Officer

    Eric Sonquist, the Chief Financial Officer at University of California - Santa Barbara, directs all fiscal operations and financial strategy for the institution. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, Sonquist ensures the sound management of university funds to support academic and research endeavors. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing revenue streams, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. By analyzing financial data and forecasting future needs, Eric Sonquist directly supports the long-term sustainability and growth of the university's educational programs and research initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to managing institutional debt, procurement processes, and financial reporting to stakeholders, thereby safeguarding the university's financial integrity and operational efficiency.
    Eric Sonquist

    Kerry Bierman - Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer

    Kerry Bierman, the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at University of California - Santa Barbara, provides critical financial oversight and strategic leadership during a transitional period. Managing the institution's financial health, Bierman oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource management to ensure operational continuity and support academic priorities. This executive role involves safeguarding university assets, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. By guiding fiscal policy and resource allocation, Kerry Bierman supports the university's mission of research and education. The Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include financial reporting, investment management, and driving efficiencies across financial operations, thereby maintaining fiscal stability and enabling strategic growth.

    Maryn Hoffman - President

    Maryn Hoffman, the President at University of California - Santa Barbara, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the institution. Leading all academic, research, and administrative functions, Hoffman champions the university's mission of advancing knowledge and serving society. This executive role involves fostering a culture of innovation, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring the university's continued growth and impact. By guiding institutional policy and strategic planning, Maryn Hoffman enhances the university's reputation and its contribution to higher education. The President's responsibilities include engaging with stakeholders, securing resources, and overseeing the development and implementation of long-term institutional goals, thereby driving the university's success.

    Hannah Ngo - Club President

    Hannah Ngo, the Club President at University of California - Santa Barbara, leads a student organization focused on [specific club focus, e.g., academic achievement, community service, or professional development]. Overseeing club activities, membership engagement, and event planning, Ngo ensures the organization effectively serves its members and contributes to campus life. This leadership role involves managing club resources, coordinating executive board efforts, and representing the club's interests. By fostering a collaborative environment and driving member participation, Hannah Ngo enhances the club's impact and provides valuable opportunities for student growth. The Club President's responsibilities include strategic planning for club initiatives, organizing meetings, and promoting the club's mission within the university community.

    Rashad Timmons - UC President's Postdoctoral Fellow In Black Studies

    Rashad Timmons, the UC President's Postdoctoral Fellow In Black Studies at University of California - Santa Barbara, conducts advanced research and contributes to the academic discourse within Black Studies. Engaging in scholarly inquiry and developing new research methodologies, Timmons advances the understanding of critical issues related to Black history, culture, and society. This fellowship role involves publishing research findings, presenting at academic conferences, and collaborating with faculty on scholarly projects. By contributing original research and engaging in pedagogical activities, Rashad Timmons enhances the university's academic profile and its commitment to diverse scholarship. The UC President's Postdoctoral Fellow's work strengthens the Black Studies program and fosters intellectual exploration within the field.

    Lizette Gomez - President

    Lizette Gomez, the President at University of California - Santa Barbara, provides strategic leadership and guides the institution's overall direction. Overseeing academic programs, research initiatives, and administrative operations, Gomez ensures the university upholds its commitment to excellence in education and discovery. This executive position involves fostering a dynamic campus environment, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing the university's mission. By championing innovation and strategic growth, Lizette Gomez enhances the university's standing and its impact on society. The President's responsibilities include setting institutional priorities, managing key relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring the effective allocation of resources to support academic and research endeavors.

    Eric Rennie - Chief of Staff

    Eric Rennie, the Chief of Staff at University of California - Santa Barbara, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the university's leadership. Managing key initiatives and facilitating communication across departments, Rennie ensures alignment with institutional goals. This role involves overseeing special projects, advising on policy development, and streamlining administrative processes to enhance operational effectiveness. By acting as a central point of contact and driving cross-functional collaboration, Eric Rennie supports the President's agenda and advances the university's mission. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include preparing reports, coordinating meetings, and implementing strategic plans, thereby contributing to the efficient functioning of the university's executive office and its overall strategic direction.

    Valerie Janssens - Chief Information Officer, Office of & HR Partner

    Valerie Janssens, the Chief Information Officer, Office of & HR Partner at University of California - Santa Barbara, leads the integration of technology solutions with human resources strategies. Overseeing the development and implementation of IT infrastructure and digital platforms, Janssens ensures robust technological support for all university operations, including HR functions. This dual role involves managing data security, optimizing information systems, and aligning technology roadmaps with institutional objectives. By driving innovation in IT and HR systems, Valerie Janssens enhances operational efficiency and employee experience across the university. The Chief Information Officer, Office of & HR Partner's focus includes digital transformation initiatives, talent management systems, and ensuring seamless access to information resources, thereby supporting the university's academic and administrative excellence.
    Valerie Janssens

    Julianna Flores - Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office

    Julianna Flores, the Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office at University of California - Santa Barbara, drives technological innovation and strategy directly supporting the President's vision. Overseeing the implementation of advanced technology solutions and digital infrastructure, Flores ensures the university remains at the forefront of technological advancement. This leadership position involves guiding research computing, campus-wide IT services, and emerging technology adoption. By championing digital transformation and fostering a culture of innovation, Julianna Flores enhances the university's research capabilities and operational effectiveness. The Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office's responsibilities include developing technology roadmaps, managing IT security, and ensuring the seamless integration of digital tools to support academic excellence and administrative efficiency.

    Joe Sabado - Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer

    Joe Sabado, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer at University of California - Santa Barbara, directs the comprehensive IT strategy and operations for the university. Overseeing the development and maintenance of robust technological infrastructure, Sabado ensures seamless digital services supporting academic, research, and administrative functions. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity, data management, and the implementation of innovative technology solutions across campus. By driving digital transformation and enhancing IT service delivery, Joe Sabado supports the university's commitment to excellence. The Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include leading IT teams, optimizing network performance, and ensuring the secure and efficient use of technology resources to advance the university's mission.
    Joe Sabado

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UC Santa Barbara Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UC Santa Barbara?
    UC Santa Barbara is led by Eric Sonquist (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Kerry Bierman (Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer) and Maryn Hoffman (President).
    Who is part of UC Santa Barbara’s executive team?
    The executive team of UC Santa Barbara includes leaders such as Eric Sonquist (Chief Financial Officer), Kerry Bierman (Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer), Maryn Hoffman (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UC Santa Barbara have?
    UC Santa Barbara has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UC Santa Barbara’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UC Santa Barbara includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, President, Club President, UC President's Postdoctoral Fellow In Black Studies.