Establishment of Division of Finance & Administration

Dear colleagues,

As we continue to make progress toward the goals outlined in our strategic plan, we are pleased to announce an organizational change that optimizes our administrative functions in support of our mission. Effective immediately, the offices of Planning & Budget and Administrative & Business Services will merge to form the Division of Finance & Administration, led by Ronald S. Cortez in the newly titled position of vice chancellor and chief financial officer.

This consolidation allows us to leverage many infrastructure and investment opportunities that are currently performed by several functions, including capital planning, lab renovations, design & construction, real estate, budget, accounting, purchasing and strategic planning. Staff in the Division of Finance & Administration will continue to focus their efforts on delivering excellent customer service and integrating fiscal management with the budget planning process, while driving efficiencies and effectiveness.

Since joining UCI one year ago, Vice Chancellor Cortez has been focused on enhancing service to the campus and reducing administrative burdens. Prior to UCI, he was vice president of administration & finance and chief financial officer at San Francisco State University, where he provided strategic direction for all business functions. From 2008 to 2013, Ron was the associate vice chancellor for administrative services at UC Santa Barbara, where he oversaw information technology, accounting, police, auditing, human resources and environmental health & safety.

We are confident that this will be a smooth transition that minimizes disruption to faculty and staff, while establishing a cohesive organization with a shared vision.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Howard Gillman

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Enrique Lavernia