UC Santa Barbara Executive and Leadership Team

Eric Sonquist, the Chief Financial Officer at UC Santa Barbara, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire research institution. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funding supports both graduate and undergraduate academic programs. This role involves monitoring revenue streams and expenditures to maintain long-term financial stability. Eric Sonquist directs the development of financial strategies that enable the university to invest in cutting-edge research facilities and faculty recruitment. By analyzing economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer provides critical insights to the board regarding fiscal sustainability. This leadership function requires precise management of endowments and grants to maximize the impact of available capital. Through careful fiscal planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of the university's academic footprint. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary resources to uphold the institution's reputation as a leader in higher education.

Kerry Bierman, the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at UC Santa Barbara, manages the transitional financial operations and administrative oversight of the university. By balancing the immediate fiscal needs of the institution with long-term strategic goals, the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer ensures continuity in research funding and operational support. This role involves navigating complex budgetary landscapes to maintain the quality of liberal arts programs. Kerry Bierman directs the financial reporting processes and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. Through active engagement with department heads, the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution across the campus. This leadership position requires a focus on fiscal transparency and accountability during periods of organizational change. By stabilizing financial systems, the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer supports the ongoing success of the university's academic mission and research initiatives.

Jasmin Lin, the President at UC Santa Barbara, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the university. By fostering an environment of intellectual inquiry, the President ensures that the institution remains a leader in liberal arts and research. This role involves engaging with stakeholders, including faculty, students, and alumni, to advance the university's reputation. Jasmin Lin oversees the implementation of policies that promote diversity, equity, and academic excellence across all graduate and undergraduate programs. Through the leadership of the President, the university secures partnerships that enhance research capabilities and community impact. This position requires a commitment to long-term growth and the preservation of the university's core values. By setting the tone for institutional culture, the President drives the collective efforts of the faculty and staff. Ultimately, the President ensures that the university continues to provide a world-class education while contributing to global knowledge.

Melody Pederson, the Science Communication Club Co-Founder & President at UC Santa Barbara, manages the outreach initiatives that bridge the gap between complex research and public understanding. By leading the club's efforts to translate scientific findings into accessible content, the Science Communication Club Co-Founder & President enhances the university's public engagement. This role involves organizing workshops and seminars that train students in effective communication strategies. Melody Pederson directs the development of platforms that showcase the innovative research conducted at the university. Through the leadership of the Science Communication Club Co-Founder & President, the organization fosters a community of scholars dedicated to scientific literacy. This position requires a focus on collaboration with academic departments to ensure accuracy and impact in all communications. By promoting the value of research, the Science Communication Club Co-Founder & President supports the university's mission to share knowledge with the broader community.

Rashad Timmons, the UC President's Postdoctoral Fellow In Black Studies at UC Santa Barbara, conducts advanced research that contributes to the university's academic depth in the humanities. By exploring critical themes within Black Studies, the UC President's Postdoctoral Fellow In Black Studies enriches the intellectual discourse on campus. This role involves publishing scholarly work and participating in academic conferences to represent the university's research excellence. Rashad Timmons directs independent research projects that challenge existing paradigms and offer new perspectives in the field. Through the work of the UC President's Postdoctoral Fellow In Black Studies, the university strengthens its commitment to diverse academic inquiry. This position requires a focus on rigorous methodology and the dissemination of knowledge to both academic and public audiences. By contributing to the scholarly community, the UC President's Postdoctoral Fellow In Black Studies supports the university's mission to foster a comprehensive understanding of complex social and historical issues.

Hannah Ngo, the Club President at UC Santa Barbara, manages the student-led activities that contribute to the vibrant campus culture. By overseeing the organization's operations and event planning, the Club President ensures that students have opportunities for professional development and social connection. This role involves coordinating with university administration to secure resources and support for club initiatives. Hannah Ngo directs the efforts of the executive board to increase student participation and engagement. Through the leadership of the Club President, the organization provides a platform for students to explore their interests and build leadership skills. This position requires a focus on inclusivity and the promotion of the university's values within the student body. By fostering a sense of community, the Club President supports the overall student experience at the university. Ultimately, the Club President drives the success of student-led programs that enhance the quality of life on campus.

Maryn Hoffman, the President at UC Santa Barbara, manages the strategic direction of specific student-led organizations that align with the university's academic and social goals. By overseeing the governance and programming of these groups, the President ensures that student initiatives contribute positively to the campus environment. This role involves mentoring student leaders and facilitating connections with faculty advisors to enhance the impact of organizational activities. Maryn Hoffman directs the planning of events that promote academic excellence and community service. Through the leadership of the President, the organization maintains high standards of operation and student involvement. This position requires a focus on sustainability and the long-term success of the group's mission. By fostering collaboration among students, the President supports the university's commitment to a well-rounded educational experience. Ultimately, the President drives the growth of student organizations that reflect the diverse interests and talents of the university community.

Eric Rennie, the Chief of Staff at UC Santa Barbara, manages high-level administrative operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across the university. By facilitating communication between the executive office and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment with institutional goals. This role involves streamlining internal processes to support the research mission of the liberal arts institution. Eric Rennie directs the implementation of policy frameworks that enhance operational efficiency across the Santa Barbara campus. Through rigorous oversight of administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of university governance. By collaborating with senior leadership, the Chief of Staff addresses complex organizational challenges that impact the broader academic community. This position requires constant engagement with faculty and staff to promote a cohesive environment. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives the execution of long-term institutional objectives while maintaining the high standards expected of a premier research university.

Julianna Flores, the Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office at UC Santa Barbara, architects the digital infrastructure that supports the university's research and administrative functions. Overseeing the integration of advanced computing systems, the Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office ensures that faculty and students have access to robust technological tools. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data management strategies to protect institutional assets. Julianna Flores directs the implementation of innovative software solutions that enhance the efficiency of the President's office. By aligning technology investments with the university's academic goals, the Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office facilitates seamless collaboration across diverse departments. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of emerging digital trends to maintain a competitive edge in higher education. Through the deployment of scalable technology, the Chief Technology Officer, Presidents Office supports the university's commitment to excellence in research and education.

Joe Sabado, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer at UC Santa Barbara, manages the comprehensive information technology landscape of the university. By overseeing the campus-wide network and digital services, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer ensures that all academic and administrative systems remain operational and secure. This role involves developing strategies for cloud migration and data storage to support the institution's research output. Joe Sabado directs the technical teams responsible for maintaining the integrity of the university's digital environment. Through the coordination of IT resources, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer enables faculty to conduct complex data analysis and research. This leadership function requires a focus on scalability and innovation to meet the evolving needs of the student body. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation necessary for the university to remain a top-tier research institution.