Stephen Agostini: UCLA’s Master Money Mind

TLDR: Stephen Agostini has been appointed as UCLA’s vice chancellor and chief financial officer. Agostini has extensive experience in finance and budget management, having previously served as associate vice chancellor for finance and budget at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During his tenure, he oversaw strategic financial management, managed pandemic relief funds, resolved a structural gap in the general fund, and implemented a new allocation model for facilities and administrative reimbursements. Agostini also led the creation of UCLA’s first “all-funds” budget. He will begin his role at UCLA on May 6, replacing Allison Baird-James, who has served as interim vice chancellor and CFO since April 2022.

Stephen J. Agostini has been named UCLA’s vice chancellor and chief financial officer. Agostini, who most recently served as associate vice chancellor for finance and budget at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will begin his tenure on May 6. He has extensive experience in finance and budget management, having worked with senior campus leaders and health administrators in strategic management of the university’s finances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Agostini managed pandemic relief funds and implemented measures to preserve university activities and employment. He also oversaw the resolution of a structural gap in the general fund and the implementation of a new allocation model for facilities and administrative reimbursements. Agostini spearheaded the creation of UCLA’s first “all-funds” budget and maintained the campus’s AAA rating by Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. He will replace Allison Baird-James, who has served as interim vice chancellor and CFO since April 2022.