Dear colleagues:
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Reese as vice chancellor for Business and Administrative Services, effective February 2014. After a nationwide search, Michael emerged as the strongest candidate, with an impressive array of administrative experience. Feedback from the campus following the campus interview process was uniformly positive, as well.
Michael has a compelling vision for the Division of Business and Administrative Services, and I look forward to working with him to implement this vision in the months and years to come.
Many UC Merced employees have already interacted with Michael as he has been serving part-time as interim vice chancellor for the division since July 2013. Overseeing 250 employees and a $35 million budget, he has been reviewing and reorganizing the division that includes leadership in finance, business and financial services, design and construction, facilities management, environmental health and safety, public safety and human resources.
Most recently, Michael worked as associate vice president and chief of staff for Business Operations at the UC Office of the President, and before that was associate vice president for University Affairs.
Before joining the UC system, he had a distinguished career in government and politics as an independent consultant, deputy campaign manager for a gubernatorial campaign and director of communications for the California State Assembly’s Office of the Speaker.
He also served as bureau chief, national affairs writer and correspondent for Newsweek Magazine based in New York City.
Lastly, I want to thank those who served on the search committee, including Sam Traina, vice chancellor for Research and chair of the committee, and the following people:
Dan Hirleman, dean, School of Engineering
Kyle Hoffman, vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations
Sheryl Ireland, director of Controls and Accountability, Business and Financial Services
Rachel Martin, graduate student service coordinator, Student Affairs
Peggy O’Day, professor, School of Natural Sciences
Diana Ralls, director, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Susan Sims, special assistant to the Provost and chief of staff
Kristynn Sullivan, graduate student
Sincerely,
Dorothy Leland
Chancellor
