UC Santa Barbara Executive and Leadership Team

Jamesson Pias, the Chief Executive Officer at UC Santa Barbara, directs the overarching strategic vision for this premier liberal arts research institution. Pias architects long-term institutional goals, ensuring alignment between academic programs and the evolving needs of the global research community. By coordinating with the Board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that enhance the university's reputation for excellence in graduate and undergraduate education. Jamesson Pias manages complex stakeholder relationships, balancing the demands of faculty, students, and external partners to maintain institutional stability. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of research advancements into the broader curriculum, thereby securing the university's position as a leader in higher education. Through consistent focus on operational efficiency and academic growth, the Chief Executive Officer sustains the mission of the institution while fostering a culture of innovation across all departments.

Eric Sonquist, the Chief Financial Officer at UC Santa Barbara, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of this research-intensive university. Sonquist oversees the allocation of resources across diverse academic departments, ensuring that funding supports both undergraduate programs and advanced graduate research initiatives. By analyzing financial data and market trends, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes revenue streams and controls expenditures to maintain institutional sustainability. Eric Sonquist collaborates with administrative leaders to align financial planning with the long-term strategic objectives of the university. This role involves rigorous oversight of endowment management and grant administration, providing the necessary capital for infrastructure development and faculty recruitment. Through precise financial modeling and transparent reporting, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the economic foundation of the institution, enabling the university to continue delivering high-quality education and impactful research outcomes within the competitive landscape of higher education.

Kerry Bierman, the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at UC Santa Barbara, directs the financial strategy and administrative operations during this transitional period for the university. Bierman oversees the management of institutional funds, ensuring that budgetary decisions support the core mission of providing high-quality graduate and undergraduate education. By monitoring fiscal performance and implementing cost-saving measures, the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability of the institution. Kerry Bierman collaborates with other executive leaders to prioritize resource allocation for research projects and campus infrastructure. This role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and ensuring compliance with university policies. Through careful oversight of financial reporting and strategic planning, the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer sustains the operational continuity of the university, enabling the institution to continue its pursuit of academic excellence and research impact without interruption.

Shane Sato, the President, Second-Year Economics & Accounting Major at UC Santa Barbara, leads student-driven initiatives focused on academic and professional development within the economics and accounting departments. Sato architects programs that connect students with industry resources, fostering a practical understanding of financial principles. By organizing workshops and networking events, the President, Second-Year Economics & Accounting Major enhances the educational experience for peers, bridging the gap between theoretical coursework and real-world application. Shane Sato collaborates with faculty advisors to ensure that student activities align with the university's commitment to academic rigor. This leadership role involves managing student outreach and promoting the value of the economics and accounting curriculum. Through active engagement and strategic planning, the President, Second-Year Economics & Accounting Major contributes to the vibrant intellectual community at the university, preparing students for successful careers in the competitive global financial sector.

Melody Pederson, the Science Communication Club Co-Founder & President at UC Santa Barbara, leads efforts to translate complex research findings into accessible content for the broader public. Pederson architects outreach programs that highlight the university's scientific contributions, fostering a deeper understanding of research impact. By managing the club's operations and coordinating with faculty researchers, the Science Communication Club Co-Founder & President ensures that scientific communication remains accurate and engaging. Melody Pederson drives initiatives that promote scientific literacy, bridging the gap between the laboratory and the community. This leadership role involves organizing events and digital campaigns that showcase the university's commitment to research excellence. Through strategic communication and collaborative efforts, the Science Communication Club Co-Founder & President enhances the visibility of the institution's scientific work, contributing to the university's reputation as a hub for innovation and public engagement in the sciences.

Jasmin Lin, the President at UC Santa Barbara, provides leadership for student-led organizations dedicated to enhancing the academic and social experience at this research institution. Lin architects strategic plans for student engagement, ensuring that activities align with the university's mission of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. By overseeing the operations of student groups, the President facilitates collaboration between students, faculty, and administration. Jasmin Lin drives initiatives that promote leadership development and academic success, creating opportunities for students to excel in their chosen fields. This role involves managing organizational resources and representing student interests in broader university discussions. Through proactive leadership and a commitment to the university's values, the President contributes to the vibrant campus culture, ensuring that students have the support and resources necessary to thrive in their academic and professional pursuits at this premier liberal arts institution.

Eric Rennie, the Chief of Staff at UC Santa Barbara, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across the leadership team of this liberal arts research institution. Rennie manages the flow of information to the President, ensuring that strategic priorities receive appropriate attention and resources. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the executive office and supports the execution of university-wide initiatives. Eric Rennie acts as a primary liaison between various departments, fostering collaboration to achieve institutional goals related to academic excellence and student success. This leadership role involves preparing briefings, managing high-level projects, and ensuring that the university's mission remains central to all administrative decisions. Through proactive problem-solving and organizational oversight, the Chief of Staff maintains the operational rhythm of the institution, allowing the leadership team to focus on advancing the university's standing as a top-tier research center.

Joe Sabado, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer at UC Santa Barbara, architects the digital infrastructure supporting this research-focused university. Sabado oversees the implementation of advanced information systems that facilitate both academic research and administrative operations. By driving the adoption of secure, scalable technology solutions, the Chief Information Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the tools necessary for modern inquiry. Joe Sabado manages the integration of data analytics and cybersecurity protocols, protecting the intellectual property and sensitive information of the institution. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to align technology investments with the university's mission of fostering innovation. Through the strategic deployment of digital resources, the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of campus operations and supports the university's commitment to excellence in education, ensuring that the technological framework remains robust and responsive to the needs of a global research community.

Julianna Flores, the Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office at UC Santa Barbara, leads the technological initiatives within the executive leadership branch of this research institution. Flores architects digital strategies that improve communication and decision-making processes for the President and the broader administrative team. By overseeing the implementation of specialized software and data management systems, the Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office ensures that leadership has access to accurate, real-time information. Julianna Flores collaborates with IT departments to align technological capabilities with the university's strategic goals, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and data security. This role involves evaluating emerging technologies to determine their potential impact on the university's research and educational mission. Through the strategic application of technology, the Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office supports the executive team in navigating the complexities of modern higher education, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of digital innovation.

Tedi Tehrani, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at UC Santa Barbara, directs the financial and operational functions that sustain the university's research and educational activities. Tehrani oversees the management of departmental budgets and administrative workflows, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently to support faculty and student needs. By implementing streamlined administrative processes, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer enhances the overall productivity of the institution. Tedi Tehrani collaborates with other executive leaders to align financial planning with the university's long-term strategic goals, focusing on sustainable growth and operational excellence. This role involves managing complex administrative tasks, including resource allocation and policy implementation, to ensure the smooth functioning of the university. Through diligent oversight and strategic decision-making, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer supports the institution's mission, enabling the university to maintain its status as a premier liberal arts research center.