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 research institution. Pias manages high-level institutional partnerships and aligns academic goals with long-term growth objectives. By overseeing the integration of liberal arts curricula with advanced research programs, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the university maintains a competitive edge in the global education market. Pias coordinates with the Board to secure funding and expand the reach of campus initiatives across North America. This leadership role involves balancing complex administrative requirements with the pursuit of scholarly excellence. Through consistent engagement with faculty and student leaders, Jamesson Pias drives the university toward sustainable development. Ultimately, Pias strengthens the institutional reputation by prioritizing innovation and academic integrity in every decision.

Kerry Bierman, the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at UC Santa Barbara, manages the financial health and fiscal planning of the institution. Bierman oversees budget development, financial reporting, and resource allocation to ensure the university meets its strategic objectives. The Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer monitors economic trends and implements fiscal policies that support long-term sustainability. By collaborating with the Board and other executive leaders, Bierman ensures that financial resources are directed toward high-impact research and academic programs. Kerry Bierman also manages risk assessment and compliance efforts to protect the university's assets. This leadership role involves balancing the immediate needs of the campus with the long-term financial goals of the institution. Through rigorous financial oversight and strategic planning, Bierman maintains the fiscal stability necessary for the university to continue its mission of excellence.

Virginia Johns, the President at UC Santa Barbara, provides executive leadership for the university's academic and administrative functions. Johns defines the institutional mission and drives the strategic initiatives that shape the university's future. The President oversees the faculty and staff leadership teams to ensure alignment with the core values of research and liberal arts education. By representing the university to external stakeholders and donors, Johns secures the resources necessary for campus growth and development. Virginia Johns coordinates with the Board to establish policies that promote academic freedom and student success. This leadership role involves managing complex institutional challenges and fostering a culture of innovation. Through consistent engagement with the campus community, Johns ensures that the university remains a leader in higher education. Ultimately, the President guides the institution toward achieving its long-term goals and maintaining its reputation for excellence.

Hannah Ngo, the Club President at UC Santa Barbara, leads student-driven initiatives that enhance the campus experience and foster community engagement. Ngo coordinates club activities, manages membership growth, and organizes events that align with the university's liberal arts focus. The Club President facilitates communication between student organizations and the university administration to ensure that student needs are addressed. By promoting leadership development and collaborative projects, Ngo encourages active participation in campus life. Hannah Ngo works with other student leaders to create inclusive environments that support diverse academic and social interests. This leadership role involves managing event budgets and ensuring that all activities comply with university policies. Through dedicated service to the student body, Ngo contributes to the vibrant culture of the university and helps build a strong sense of community among the student population.

Shane Sato, the President, Second-Year Economics & Accounting Major at UC Santa Barbara, leads student-focused initiatives that bridge academic interests with practical application. Sato organizes workshops and networking events that support the professional development of students within the economics and accounting fields. The President, Second-Year Economics & Accounting Major manages student outreach efforts and fosters connections between the student body and industry professionals. By facilitating collaborative projects, Sato encourages students to apply their classroom learning to real-world economic challenges. Shane Sato works with faculty advisors to ensure that student activities align with the university's academic standards. This leadership role involves managing organizational logistics and promoting a culture of academic excellence among peers. Through active engagement and strategic planning, Sato enhances the student experience and prepares participants for future success in the competitive global economy.

Eric Rennie, the Chief of Staff at UC Santa Barbara, manages the daily operations of the executive office and facilitates communication across all administrative departments. Rennie streamlines decision-making processes by coordinating agendas and ensuring alignment between the leadership team and institutional priorities. The Chief of Staff oversees internal policy implementation and monitors the progress of key university initiatives. By managing complex workflows, Rennie enables the executive team to focus on long-term strategic goals. Eric Rennie also acts as a primary liaison for external stakeholders, ensuring consistent messaging and operational transparency. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the university's research-focused mission. Through effective resource allocation and process optimization, Rennie supports the overall efficiency of the campus administration and maintains high standards of organizational performance.

Joe Sabado, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer at UC Santa Barbara, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the university's research and academic missions. Sabado directs the deployment of scalable cloud solutions and enterprise software to enhance student and faculty productivity. The Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive institutional data across all campus networks. By integrating advanced technology into the liberal arts framework, Sabado ensures the university remains at the forefront of digital innovation. Joe Sabado collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align IT investments with the broader financial and strategic goals of the institution. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale technical projects that support global research collaborations. Through continuous improvement of digital systems, Sabado drives operational efficiency and technological advancement throughout the entire campus ecosystem.

Ted Cabeen, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Research Computing at UC Santa Barbara, manages the high-performance computing resources essential for the university's scientific research output. Cabeen designs and maintains the specialized infrastructure required for data-intensive projects across various academic disciplines. The Associate Chief Information Officer, Research Computing oversees the technical support teams that assist faculty in utilizing advanced computational tools. By optimizing hardware and software environments, Cabeen facilitates breakthroughs in complex research areas. Ted Cabeen works closely with the broader IT leadership to ensure that research computing needs are integrated into the university's long-term technology roadmap. This role involves managing significant technical assets and ensuring reliable access for researchers engaged in global scientific endeavors. Through dedicated support of the research community, Cabeen directly contributes to the university's status as a leading liberal arts research institution.

Joshua Bright, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at UC Santa Barbara, leads the strategic planning for campus-wide information technology services. Bright oversees the implementation of robust network architectures and digital platforms that support both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer manages the IT budget and ensures that technology investments align with the university's mission of academic excellence. By fostering partnerships with external technology providers, Bright expands the digital capabilities available to the campus community. Joshua Bright coordinates with other administrative leaders to ensure that IT policies support the university's research and teaching objectives. This leadership role involves driving digital transformation initiatives that improve user experience and operational efficiency. Through strategic oversight, Bright ensures the university maintains a secure and innovative technological environment.

Tedi Tehrani, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at UC Santa Barbara, manages the operational and financial infrastructure of the university. Tehrani oversees administrative services, facilities management, and financial operations to ensure the campus runs efficiently. The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer develops policies that streamline business processes and improve resource utilization across all departments. By coordinating with other executive leaders, Tehrani ensures that administrative support aligns with the university's academic and research goals. Tedi Tehrani also manages the budget for administrative functions and monitors performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale operational projects that support the daily needs of students and faculty. Through effective management of financial and administrative resources, Tehrani supports the overall mission of the university and ensures the campus remains a productive environment for learning and research.