CS16: Women in Senior Leadership Roles: The Transformational Leader! | Magic Kingdom 2
Eligible for 1.5 Personal Development CPE Credits

This session will provide a brief history of women entering the US workforce, statistics on women in the workforce today, and the percentage holding leadership roles. It will touch upon the fact that while the numbers of women in leadership are growing, they are still quite low compared to our male counterparts. This is due to multiple factors surrounding gender stereotypes structurally ingrained in our society and corporate settings. It will highlight the organizational benefits of having women in senior leadership, and the uniqueness of their transformational leadership approach. Finally, it will touch upon the successful attributes of women that have reached senior leadership and how they navigated the challenges associated with career mobility.

Learning Objectives

• Define challenges women face in professional advancement.
• Identify how to navigate challenges using research-based doctoral study. 
• List organizational benefits when senior leadership positions are held by women. 

Dr. Giselle Flores Martin is a transformational and authentic leader focused on the success of the people she mentors or leads. She is a people-oriented manager who firmly believes in the importance of fostering strong relationships; those that embrace diverse talents, cultures and social beliefs. She’s been in leadership roles for two decades and appreciated early on in her career the importance of dreaming, leading and inspiring; leadership qualities she is recognized for! Dr. Martin holds a Doctor of Education in Organization & Leadership from the University of San Francisco. During her doctoral studies she focused on leadership theories and defended and published her dissertation on “Women in Senior Leadership Roles, Career Mobility, Challenges, Success Stories and Need for Future Research” which has reached 40 countries. Prior to this work, she completed a Master of Public Administration also focusing on leadership theories. Today she strives to inspire others to dream about possibilities and reach their full career potential!

CS17: Work Reimagined: The New Employee Value Proposition | Magic Kingdom 3
Eligible for 1.5 Personnel/Human Resources CPE Credits

Flexible work is no longer something that is simply gaining popularity -- it's a global phenomenon. Top candidates and employees alike view flexibility as a non-negotiable and are looking for employers who promote it as the cornerstone of the employee experience. In this session, you'll learn how the University of California, Irvine reimagined its workplace and wellness programs to aid in recruiting and retaining top talent. You'll take away practical tips and tools that can help you elevate the employee value proposition on your campus.

Learning Objectives

• Leverage new ways to recruit and retain talent in a competitive workplace. 
• Describe practical tools to improve retention and recruitment at your college or university.
• Apply new strategies for providing flexibility to front-line workers.

Ramona Agrela serves as the chief human resources officer and vice chancellor for the University of California, Irvine. She is the senior university official responsible for all human resources administration and operations. Ramona is a dynamic human resource professional with extensive, award-winning experience across multiple HR disciplines. With a passion for helping organizational leaders achieve their strategic goals through progressive talent management strategies, Ramona truly believes that HR’s role is to empower people to drive a culture of innovation, learning, and service. Ramona holds a bachelor of arts in economics and a master of public administration degree, both from California State University, Fullerton. She is a SHRM-certified senior professional, a WorldatWork certified compensation professional, and a Human Capital Institute Strategic HR Business Partner.

Michelle Quint is a highly experienced Human Resources Professional who serves as the Executive Director of Health Human Resources for the University of California, Irvine. She has over twenty years of experience with multiple functions including labor relations, and employee relations. In 2016, she was chosen to serve as the founding Executive Director of Health Sciences Human Resources, and in 2019 became the interim Executive Director of both Health Sciences and Medical Center Human Resources, which soon turned into a permanent position. Michelle has proved to be a forward-thinking, collaborative, and supportive leader, and has had a positive impact on the success of UCI both on Campus and at the Medical Center.

CS18: Building Your Innovation Model for The Age of AI | Magic Kingdom 1
Eligible for 1.5 Information Technology - Technical CPE Credits

Tom Andriola is UC Irvine’s Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Data & Chief Digital Officer. His role is designed to ensure the strategic &transformative use of data and technology and champion digital strategies that expand UC Irvine’s role as a leading research university, healthcare provider & community partner. His office has developed and implemented a variety of thriving initiatives:* The Collaboratories @ UCI leverage data ecosystems for meaningful insights to guide continuous organizational improvement, innovation, and collaboration. * The HUB, a technology & collaboration platform offered to faculty, staff, and students with the opportunity to interact with emerging technologies that foster ideation and innovation using Web3 technologies and artificial intelligence. Prior to UCI, Andriola is a global business & technology leader with a broad array of experience in the public and private sector. Throughout his career, he has been an agent for change and disruptive innovation. He holds a bachelor's degree from George Washington University, a master's degree from the University of South Florida, and has completed the Stanford Executive MBA program.

CS19: Has Anyone Called the Lawyers? Why developing relationships of trust with legal counsel matter to an effective and efficient business operation | Monorail
Eligible for 1.5 Business Management & Organizations CPE Credits

The business operations of a university necessarily entail compliance with a multitude of ever-changing and emerging laws and regulations. By working collaboratively with lawyers early and often, business officers and lawyers can help avoid legal landmines and pitfalls. Instead of waiting to ask if anybody has called the lawyers, participants in this session will gain an understanding of the following learning objectives to improve business operations:

Learning Objectives

• Identify basic legal framework and analysis to work more effectively with university counsel. 
• List common legal issues faced by business operations.
• Minimize risk and achieve university's mission by developing relationships of trust with university counsel as a strategic partner. 

Andrea Cortinas serves as UTEP’s Vice President and Chief of Staff. Cortinas is an El Paso native. She comes from a family of immigrants and is the first in her family to graduate from college. Cortinas earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from UTEP and participated in UTEP’s Law School Preparation Institute. Cortinas attended The University of California, Berkeley School of Law where she obtained a Juris Doctor degree. Upon graduation from law school, she returned home to the El Paso region to give back to the community she loves. Before joining UTEP, Cortinas was an attorney and shareholder in private practice in El Paso. Her practice focused primarily on employment law, civil litigation, education law, and advising executives on complex legal issues. She previously served as general counsel at a regional company, where she also oversaw risk management, human resources, and benefits. Cortinas first joined UTEP in 2016 as Chief Legal Officer. She is thrilled to return to the University she credits with changing not only her life but also the trajectory of her family. In July 2020, Cortinas was promoted to Vice President and Chief of Staff. During the pandemic, she led multiple key initiatives. She plays a critical role in the University’s mission of access, excellence, and impact, and is a trusted senior leader who also oversees critical areas including compliance, legal, audit, the police department, planning, governmental relations, international relations, and university relations & events. Andrea is married and has three children and two dogs. She is active in the community and is a member of the Governing Board for the Hospitals of Providence Memorial and Sierra Campus and an associate member of the George McAlmon American Inn of Court. She has also served on multiple boards including the board of Junior Achievement, the El Paso Women’s Bar Association, and the El Paso Young Lawyers Association.
Lisa Loo is Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Arizona State University. Ms. Loo joined the ASU Office of General Counsel in 1993 after eight years in private practice. She graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1985 and from Fordham University in 1982. Ms. Loo served on the Executive Council of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, and is a past President of the State Bar of Arizona. She is an elected member of the American Law Institute, a founding board member of the Arizona Asian American Bar Association, and served as Vice President of Victory Together, the primary group that advocated for the voter-approved MLK, Jr./Civil Rights Day in Arizona. The State Bar of Arizona has honored Ms. Loo as the Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year and for Outstanding Achievement in Advancing Equal Opportunity in the Profession.
Priscilla Castillo serves as the Chief Legal Officer for The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). As Chief Legal Officer, Castillo is responsible for providing the institution with advice regarding a broad range of legal issues including those related to contracts, employment, student affairs, athletics, real estate, and litigation strategy. By identifying legal issues and recommending solutions to mitigate risk, she works to support the University’s commitment to its mission of access, excellence, and impact. Castillo earned her bachelor’s degree in English & American Literature and Political Science from UTEP and participated in UTEP’s Law School Preparation Institute. Castillo obtained her law degree at New York University School of Law. Following law school, Castillo practiced complex commercial litigation at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in New York City. Castillo then returned to El Paso, where she served as a partner at a law firm. Her legal expertise centers on labor & employment law and civil litigation. Castillo is an associate member of the George McAlmon American Inn of Court, a member of the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership El Paso Class XXXVIII, and past President of the El Paso Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.

BP7: Resilience in numbers! Gaining comfort from the inspiration and cumulative knowledge of our colleagues | Magic Kingdom 4
Eligible for 1.5 Specialized Knowledge CPE Credits

We will have a panel discussion with panelists from both private and public institutions and moderated by CLA's Public Institutions Subindustry Principal-in-Charge and CLA's Higher Education Industry Tax Leader. In talking through current hot topics and comparing approaches between public and private institutions as well as the experiences of session participants, we will delve into best practices as well as lessons learned, and opportunities gained. Our discussion will include topics such as financial gains related to the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act, the cost and / or benefit of hiring out of state and foreign employees, wins and not so successful implementations related totechnology solutions and victories and opportunities for improvement related to other financial, compliance and regulatory hot topics.

Regardless of the size, structure, or location of an institution, we commonly encounter similar decisions, roadblocks, and opportunities. Learning from the experiences of our colleagues can save time, minimize the impact to the budget, aid in a cost benefit analysis or the impact of leveraging technology in a solution, or simply (and maybe most importantly) reduce the overall stress of those involved in the decision-making process. We can learn from both a successful project and one that did not go as planned and the opportunity to talk though how a situation has been handled by another institution can provide valuable insight and peace of mind. Join us as we discuss a variety of topics and hear from our panelists and other attendees on topics relevant to higher education in 2024!

• Identify opportunities, wins, and challenges related to the energy credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act
• List pitfalls and roadblocks encountered during implementation of technology solutions. 
• Evaluate the impact of the implementation of the increased Department of Education disclosures and other regulatory changes
• Gain insights from our colleagues on other relevant topics within higher education in 2024

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.
Sarah Hintz is a Principal with CLA and has more than 23 years of combined experience in higher education, public accounting, and private industry. She has worked with a variety of clients including colleges and universities, tax-exempt organizations, state and local governments, for-profit entities, nonresident alien taxpayers, and many others. Sarah currently supports CLA's nonprofit tax practice nationwide as both the Higher Education Industry Tax Leader as well as the West Region exempt tax practice leader.
Jean Bushong is an Assurance Principal with CLA and has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit, government, and higher education industries. During this time, she has provided audit, internal control consulting, agreed-upon procedures and other attest services to numerous higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and state and local governments. Jean serves as CLA's National Higher Education - Public Institutions Subindustry Principal-in-Charge.
Joyce Lopes joined WWU as Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs in July 2021. Joyce served in a similar capacity as Vice President for Administrative Affairs at Sonoma State University and CalPoly Humboldt. She volunteers with the Western Association of College and University Business Officers serving on the DEI Committee, as faculty member for the annual Business Management Institute, and as a mentor for the past five years. Over her 41-year career in education, Joyce has served in key finance and, administrative management roles in K-12, community colleges, as well as public and private universities in the US and Europe. Along with being a certified public accountant, she holds a BA in Business and Management from the University of Maryland European Division; and an MBA from the University of Colorado.

BP8: Improving Campus Cost Efficiency: How to Close Your Deferred Maintenance Gap While Challenged with Skilled Trades Staffing Shortages | Castle
Eligible for 1.5 Management Services - Technical CPE Credits

Universities across the country face significant challenges with aging campus infrastructure, a shortage of skilled trades employees and outdated facilities slow to adapt to modern technology advances. We will present a case study that can provide a blueprint for how universities and colleges can find viable and cost-effective solutions to this growing problem.

Learning Objectives

• Address specific challenges faced by education institutions through customization in facilities management contracts.
• Identify key elements that make partnerships successful through collaborative relationships, including cost savings, improved infrastructure, and employee development.
• Identify and apply strategies for managing and resolving operational issues with proactive problem-solving.

Mic Sternard, Senior Sales Director, TD Industries, is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of understanding and applying facilities services to multiple industries. He brings 26 years of experience in higher education, healthcare, hotel, golf course, and commercial facilities management to TDIndustries. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel/Restaurant Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Stephanie Bauer, Associate Vice President, Facility Services, Northern Arizona University, serves as the Associate Vice President for Facility Services at Northern Arizona University. In her role, she is responsible for a broad range of critical functions, including design and construction, maintenance, operations, and utilities across the university's expansive campus. This encompasses over 7 million gross square feet, more than 150 buildings, 2 central plants, and over 450 acres on the main campus. With a career spanning over 18 years, Stephanie brings a diverse professional background to her position. Her experience encompasses finance, small-business ownership, construction, and facility management, providing her with a unique perspective and a rich skill set. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration.
Bryan Urton is the Facilities Manager for TDIndustries overseeing several Facilities Services contracts in Arizona, including Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University and Scottsdale Community College. Bryan's leadership and technical expertise come from an extensive military and trades background, having spent 11 years in the U.S. Navy and 16 years in the commercial and industrial HVAC sector.

BP 9: Budgeting Strategies in Higher Education | Adventure

Eligible for 1.5 Finance - Technical CPE Credits

Higher education institutions are experiencing rising costs and reduced revenues, creating challenges in balancing income and expenses while fulfilling their missions. Budgeting is foundational for institutions to align available resources with strategic priorities. In this session, we’ll review recommended practices and popular models for budgeting and examine advantages, disadvantages, and other considerations. The budgeting models we’ll discuss include:

• Incremental
• Performance-based
• Activity-based
• Responsibility center management

Additionally, we’ll evaluate ways to streamline budget development, monitoring, and connection to performance through automation.

Learning Objectives

• Identify common budget methodologies in higher education. 
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of common budget methodologies. 
• Apply budgeting recommended practices and automation opportunities.

Loren Den Herder serves as the Managing Director of Moss Adams. Loren is Moss Adam's firm leader of business intelligence and corporate performance management solutions. He delivers leading-edge technology solutions for clients. His experience spans enterprise solutions including finance, human resources, operations, customer relations, business intelligence (BI), and corporate performance management. Loren’s principal focus is on improving business results through process and system design, business intelligence reporting, and multi-platform systems integration.

Tammy Lohr, Senior Manager at Moss Adams, focuses on evaluating and enhancing the operational performance of higher education institutions. Her approach is characterized by meticulous analysis and active employee engagement, culminating in comprehensive assessments. Tammy dedicates her attention to the key components of each engagement including the effectiveness of current organizational structures and resourcing strategies, fostering a positive workplace culture, identifying system requirements, and streamlining operational processes. This approach results in high-quality deliverables that not only cater to client needs but also align with industry standards.

Schedule-at-a-Glance