Schedule-at-a-Glance

Concurrent Sessions A


CS1: What you should know about DEI! | Magic Kingdom 1
Eligible for 1.5 Behavioral Ethics CPE Credits

If you're approaching DEI as an initiative or as being initiated and led by senior leadership, you're already on the wrong footing. In this session, UCSF will give a presentation on their approach to shifting culture to one that is more inclusive, diverse, and equitable. They will talk about the various components of their approach and their distributed leadership model in executing the work. They will outline the foundational systems and processes that they believe were a necessary predecessor to their work and continue to support their efforts.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the cornerstones of DEI that are required to support the framework. 
  • Implement and support the creation of a vision and goals with the distributed leadership model.
  • Apply techniques for supporting and  holding people accountable with DEI efforts

Jay Budner and his team at UCSF lead all aspects of talent management including talent infrastructure, recruiting and onboarding, learning and capability development, career management, succession management, leadership development, capability and competency management, compensation, workforce planning, and DEI and culture initiatives. Prior to joining UCSF, Jay held positions at Columbia University as the Executive Director of Talent Management in the advancement department for Columbia University, and the Director of Leadership Development for all 16 schools at Columbia University. 

Prior to his experience in higher education, Jay held leadership positions in a variety of fields, including financial services, technology, and human resources. He previously was assistant vice president of professional development at UBS Financial Services – and later held the same title at The Bank of New York and Deutsche Bank as well as director of global learning at Marsh & McLennan. In each of these roles, he touched all aspects of the career and talent lifecycle for staff, from analysis to design and development to delivery and evaluation of talent management programs. Jay brings 30 years of talent management experience to the table. He holds a bachelor's degree in social science, with double minors in political science, and international studies.

Stephanie D. Brown is a certified DEI practitioner with over 8 years of experience in this area. Stephanie chairs the DEIA+ Committee at UDAR, with several ERG's (employee resources groups), subgroup and pillar groups created under her guidance and leadership. Stephanie is among the first graduates of UCSF's newly formed IDEAL (Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism Leadership) Academy, and is a steering committee member of UCSF's Black Caucus, along with co-chairing the Benioff Children's Hospital Black Caucus, a UCSF affiliate.

As a member of UCSF UDAR's Executive team, she routinely presents learning tools for understanding and coaches' leaders in this space towards cultural awareness and humility, and in developing ways to create engagement and inclusion for all. Her foundation is relationship building and creating brave spaces for workplace communities. Stephanie is also a Certified Diversity Recruiter and actively participates on senior leadership recruitment panels. Stephanie is known as an excellent active listener and a strong thought partner. She has been in non-profit Development for 10 years.

 


CS2: Increase Engagement by Focusing on Strengths | Magic Kingdom 3
Eligible for 1.5 Personnel/Human Resources CPE Credits

Focusing our time and energy on what we excel in has been linked to increased productivity and engagement in the workplace. In this interactive workshop you will learn the five clues to talent, acquire tools to start conversations that focus on the positive, and see how a strengths-based approach can have a positive impact on individuals and teams. Imagine the possibilities if we could better articulate what we do best, and intentionally use those talents at work (every day!).

  • Describe the 5 clues to talent and identify examples of their own.
  • Explain the link between strengths and engagement using data on engagement rates and trends. 
  • Apply strength-based coaching questions in professional settings.

Amy Shuman serves as the Executive Director of Staff Coaching and Professional Development for the Division of Student Affairs at UC Davis. She holds a master's of arts in Leadership, is a Gallup advanced certified Strengths coach, and professional certified coach with the International Coach Federation. She leads workshops and coaches employees to help them maximize their potential. Amy is particularly passionate about leadership and empowering people to create a positive workplace culture. Amy has over a decade of human resources management experience and works with leadership on people management, communication, employee engagement and overall workplace climate. Amy's Top 5 Clifton Strengths are Communication, Competition, Maximizer, Significance, and Focus.


CS3: LSS vs AI – The Process Improvement Battle of the Century! | Magic Kingdom 2
Eligible for 1.5 Information Technology CPE Credits

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the main event! In the blue corner, we have "Lean Six Sigma," the reigning champion of process improvement methodologies. With its powerful tools and techniques, Lean Six Sigma has been the go-to choice for organizations seeking to streamline their operations and achieve operational excellence. But, in the red corner, we have a challenger that's been making waves in the industry. It's the new kid on the block, "AI"! That's right, folks, Artificial Intelligence is looking to take on the champ and show the world what it's made of. With its advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities, AI is confident that it can outmaneuver Lean Six Sigma and become the new champion of process improvement. But, Lean Six Sigma isn't going down without a fight. It's got a proven track record of success and a loyal following of practitioners who swear by its effectiveness. So, get ready to rumble! The battle between Lean Six Sigma and AI is about to begin. Who will emerge victorious? Join this session to find out!

Resources:
LSS White Belt Recording
AI Essentials
AI Asynchronous Introduction

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the concepts of Lean Six Sigma and Artificial Intelligence.
  • Identify project examples of Lean Six Sigma and AI from case study.
  • Apply implementation strategies to identify the best tool set to use. 
Joining UC San Diego in 2018, Antonio Nava is the Program Manager for the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification and the lead trainer and administrator for Promapp. He was awarded the 2021 UC San Diego Exemplary Staff Employee of the Year. Tony regularly facilitates cross-departmental and cross-institutional projects, Prosci Change Management, and LSS methodologies to support change initiatives, and delivers campus-wide efforts to support lean initiatives and business best practices through BECOP - the Business Excellence Community Of Practice. Tony earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts from UC San Diego and has completed Master's coursework in organizational management from Ashford University. Tony earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from UC San Diego Extension. Tony spends his time outside of work volunteering with Boy Scout Pack 7777, cycling, and often donates his ponytail to Locks of Love, a 501(c)(3) that supports a sense of self and normalcy in children suffering from hair loss.

 


CS4: Innovation in Student Housing: Creative Solutions for a Critical Need | Magic Kingdom 4
Eligible for 1.5 Specialized Knowledge CPE Credits

This interactive presentation and expert panel discussion will highlight both the common and unique challenges faced by the University of California System (UCS) to achieve its student residential housing goals. WACUBO members will benefit from a panel discussion and group Q&A that will provide constructive and innovative solutions to varied student housing challenges. Attendees will be provided with a broad, industry‐wide perspective on student housing dynamics and trends, the perspective of a system finance/treasury professional making decisions around funding, financing, and allocation, as well as a "boots‐on‐the ground" view from the Associate Vice-Chancellor of Housing, Dining, and Hospitality (HDH) at the University of California‐San Diego.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify common pitfalls/challenges and key considerations to define needs and execute on delivering to residential housing.
  • Examine the various financing tools available to solve residential housing issues and the possible credit implications. 
  • Apply strategies to manage residential housing and enrollment in tandem. 

Meghan Gutekunst is the Associate Vice President for Financial Management at the University of California. The department includes systemwide responsibility for financing activities at the University, including Capital Markets Finance, Treasury, and the Office of Loan Programs. CMF manages UC's $30 billion debt portfolio and the $2 billion commercial paper program that supports capital-raising activities systemwide. Treasury manages over $100 billion in annual cash flows and serves as a systemwide partner in cash and liquidity management, bank services, and forecasting. OLP is responsible for designing, delivering, and managing housing assistance programs for the recruitment and retention of faculty and senior managers in support of the education, research, and public service missions of the University of California.

Dr. Hemlata Jhaveri is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Housing, Dining, and Hospitality at the University of California, San Diego, and oversees 400 buildings with approximately 10 million sq. ft. that house 13,000 undergraduate and 5,100 graduate students and families; and employs 1,000 full-time and 1,300+ student employees. Hemlata with a strong background in residence life and operations, understands the importance of balancing business and student development needs for a higher education organization. Hemlata received her Ph.D. at Colorado State University, Fort Collins. She has had the opportunity to present on numerous occasions at ACPA, NASPA, and ACUHO-I. Hemlata was inducted as a Diamond Honoree at ACPA – College Student Educators International in 2013 for outstanding and sustained contributions to the field of higher education and student affairs.

Rebecca Moses is a Director in the Higher Education and Non-Profits Group at Fitch Ratings and is based in Austin, Texas. Her portfolio spans a broad range of public and private colleges/universities across the U.S. Previously at Fitch, Rebecca was the lead analyst for a tax and revenue-supported credit portfolio that comprised many of the southwest U.S. region's largest public K-12 districts, local governments, and community colleges. Before joining Fitch in 2006, Rebecca served as a higher education administrator at Texas State University-San Marcos for a decade. She oversaw university academic and need-based financial aid/scholarship programs and subsequently led student academic advising in the College of Applied Arts. Other experience includes positions at a state agency and in the non-profit sector. Rebecca holds a Master of Public Affairs degree from the LBJ School at the University of Texas at Austin, where she served as a teaching assistant in public financial management. She earned undergraduate degrees in Business Management and Spanish (BS, BA) from Binghamton University, NY. In addition, she is a member of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts


CS5: Challenges for Community Colleges: Roundtable Hosted by the Community College Constituent Committee Roundtable | Monorail
Eligible for 1.5 Specialized Knowledge CPE Credits

The Community College Constituent Committee selected this session’s theme and will explore topics specific to community colleges. Constituent committee members will lead an interactive roundtable discussion on institutions' current trends, issues, and challenges. Attendees will actively engage with peers as we collectively identify ‘burning topics.’ This session will allow sharing knowledge and learning, and discovering new approaches to common challenges.

The WACUBO Community College Committee is a liaison between the representative constituency and the WACUBO Board of Directors. They are identifying, defining, and communicating the needs of Community College Business Officers to WACUBO. Includes advisory functions to officers and committees of WACUBO in the planning and conducting of association programs and provides communication to the membership of opportunities for continued professional development.

  • Connect with a network of peers to discover and discuss topics affecting today’s community colleges 
  • Identify community colleges' current trends, issues, and challenges.
  • Discuss other institutions' strategies for addressing these trends, issues, and challenges.
  • Evaluate strategies discovered through discussion and discover best practices for implementation.

Linda Cordier, Pima Community College, Director, for Online Learning Partnerships and Operations

 

Debbie Baker, Western Wyoming Community College, Associate Vice President of Finance

Leda Johnson, Estrella Mountain Community College, Fiscal Director

 

Darren Marshall, Salt Lake Community College, Assistant Vice President of Budget and Planning

David Tamanaha, University of Hawaii, Maui College, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services


CS6: Challenges for Small Colleges and Universities: Roundtable Hosted by the Small Institutions Constituent Committee / Small Institutions Constituent Committee Roundtable | Castle
Eligible for 1.5 Personnel/Human Resources CPE Credits

The Small Institutions Committee addresses issues specific to small colleges or universities (typically defined as fewer than 5,000 students). This session will consist of an interactive panel and audience discussion with a focus on work life balance and other challenges facing small institutions. Join your colleagues for an interactive learning and networking opportunity. This session will engage attendees in a discussion of current trends, issues, and challenges facing small institutions.

The WACUBO Small Institutions Committee acts as a liaison between their representative constituency and the WACUBO Board of Directors. This is accomplished by identifying, defining, and communicating the needs of Small Institution Business Officers to WACUBO. This includes advisory functions to officers and committees of WACUBO in the planning and conducting of Association programs, and includes communication to the membership of opportunities for continued professional development.

Learning Objectives

  • Connect with a network of peers to discover and discuss topics affecting today’s small institutions.
  • Identify the current trends, issues, and challenges facing small institutions.
  • Discuss what strategies other small institutions are using for addressing these trends, issues, and challenges.
  • Evaluate strategies, discovered through discussion, and discover best practices for implementation.

Lynn Valenter is the Vice President of Finance and Treasurer for Reed College. She has held that role since 2021. Her responsibilities include oversight of Treasury, Business and Accounting, Investment Office, Risk Management and Insurance, Facilities Operations, Capital Construction and Human Resources.

Valenter was formerly Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations at Washington State University Vancouver. Valenter began her career at WSU Vancouver as the facilities and auxiliary services manager in 1997. She was promoted to director of finance and operations in 1999, then to Vice Chancellor in 2005 and served as Interim Chancellor from 2010-2012. She was WACUBO President 2015-2016 and NACUBO Board Chair 2019-2020.

Lori Seager became the Vice President for Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Colorado College in April of 2023 after serving four years as the Associate Vice President for Finance at CC. She spent the early years of her career working as an auditor for KPMG. A few years later, she transitioned to higher education business and finance, working for 12 years at New Mexico State University, and then 6 years at the University of Puget Sound before coming to Colorado College. Lori enjoys volunteering with the Western Association of College and University Business Officers and currently participates in various committees, including the Small Institutions Committee, the 2024 Program Committee, and the 2025 Program Committee, and was the 2022 Annual Conference host committee chair. She also serves on the WACUBO board as the third vice president/2025 Program Committee Chair.

Heather Heersink is the Chief Financial Officer of Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. Heather has been employed at Adams State for 22 years and has been the Chief Financial Officer since 2017. She earned her B.S. in business administration - accounting from Adams State University and her M.B.A. from Colorado State University.
Ian Higgins is the Vice President for Finance and Administration / CFO at Western Colorado University. Prior to joining Western, Ian worked in various budgeting roles for the State of Colorado, initially at the Department of Personnel and Administration and most recently as the budget director for the Department of Public Health and Environment. Ian earned his B.S. in accounting from Sacred Heart University.

 


CS7: It is a hostage situation! What do you do when your systems are locked out or your data is stolen? Cyber and Data Security on Comprehensive, Doctoral, and Research Campuses (CDRIC) | Adventure
Eligible for 1.5 Information Technology CPE Credits

What would you do if your institution’s data was ransomed? Cyber and data security risk is greater than it has ever been. Business officers are working closely with risk managers and information security officers to protect campuses from cyber-attacks including data breaches, fraud, and extortion. At CDRIC institutions there are additional challenges to secure classified and proprietary information. Business officers are required to fund preventative measures and lead responses to cybersecurity concerns and collaborate with law enforcement and cyber experts. In this session, learn what is at stake and develop an awareness of risks, learn to mitigate risk, and understand the potential costs of inaction. A panel of experts from risk management, information technology business leaders, and cyber security will share best practices and lessons learned related to balancing risk and cost. There will also be an opportunity to meet peers from similar campuses and share ideas and solutions from your institution.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify campus risks to cyber and data security. 
  • Prepare techniques to mitigate risk.
  • Discuss cost of inaction to risk. 

Facilitators:

 
Linda Kosten, Senior Vice Provost University Budget, Planning, and Administration, University of Denver  
Jennifer Radke,  Chief Administrative Officer, BFTV Cluster, University of California Davis  

Jeff Ratje, Senior Associate Vice President, Finance, Administration, and Operations,  Agriculture, Life & Natural Sciences, & Cooperative Extension, University of Arizona

 

Panelists:

 

Erin Hutchinson joined OIT to lead the finance, procurement, and asset management teams in September of 2021. With over 18 years of experience in higher education, she is committed to the principles of inclusive leadership, strategic financial planning, and data-informed decision-making. Erin enjoys being a part of CU Boulder’s OIT team because of the key role technology plays in achieving the research and teaching missions of CU Boulder. Erin is an active volunteer with the Western Association of College and University Business Officers and is a four-time alum of the University of Colorado. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, a master’s degree in public administration from UCCS, a master’s degree in the studies of law in ethics and compliance from CU Boulder’s School of Law, and a doctorate in education with focus on leadership for equity in higher education from CU Denver. Erin recognizes the critical importance of advancing diversity and inclusion within OIT, the campus, the CU System, and the higher education industry by identifying and fixing inequitable practices, processes, policies, thought patterns, and cultures to assure equitable outcomes for historically and currently marginalized groups.

 

Christian Schreiber, CISM: Christian “Chris” Schreiber is a higher education cybersecurity strategist and executive coach with over 20 years of experience supporting institutions of all sizes. His prior roles included serving as CISO at the University of Chicago, the University of Arizona, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Besides university leadership roles, Chris Schreiber’s experience includes supporting many higher education clients while working for international technology companies. At SunGard Higher Education (now Ellucian), he built new managed security services used by dozens of colleges and universities. More recently, he helped universities around the world transform their information security operations as a cybersecurity strategist with FireEye / Mandiant (now parts of Google Cloud and Trellix). This varied experience in campus and industry leadership roles has given him a deep understanding of how to improve information security at higher education institutions. Chris has a Masters Certificate in Project Management from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. He also holds multiple professional certifications. A frequent speaker and sought-after subject matter expert, you can often find Chris attending and presenting at higher education and cybersecurity events around the country.

 

Eric Hartman, overseeing enterprise risk management at the University of Denver, brings over 25 years of experience in higher education as a professional and consultant. Previously, he held vice presidential and dean roles at the University of the South, earning national recognition for student service and advocacy for small colleges. Hartman contributed to Culture of Respect’s policy blueprint for sexual violence prevention, adopted by over 100 universities. His enterprise risk management design was hailed as a national model by the Association of Governing Boards. He's published on board governance in the Association of Governing Boards Trustee Magazine and served on various governing boards, including Culture of Respect and United Educators. Hartman's education spans Internats Gymnasium Ploen (Germany), the University of New Mexico, and Indiana University, and a Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management graduate. Hartman is pursuing a Ph.D. at DU's Daniel’s College of Business with research projects on women’s leadership, ethics, and enterprise risk management.

 

 

Schedule-at-a-Glance