Appointment of Michelle Cardona as Administrator in Charge (AIC) for Division of Administrative Affairs
October 9, 2024
Dear Campus Community,
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Cardona (B.S. Accounting, 2005 and Master of Business Administration, 2016) to Administrator in Charge (AIC) for Administrative Affairs, effective October 10, 2024.
With the announcement of Ysabel Trinidad’s plans to be on vacation beginning October 10 through December 30, when she will step down from the permanent role, Ms. Cardona will provide oversight for the division through the remainder of the calendar year and then assume the role of Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance and CFO, effective December 31, 2024. Ms. Cardona brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having served as our Associate Vice President for Financial Services and Controller since 2022, where she was instrumental in leading financial operations and supporting the university’s strategic objectives.
With over 20 years of experience in audit and accounting, Ms. Cardona has been an invaluable contributor to Cal Poly Pomona. During her tenure, she has held a variety of leadership roles, including lead accountant, GAAP & tax manager, and director/controller of University Accounting Services. In each capacity, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to operational excellence and financial integrity. Her leadership in implementing system enhancements, drafting campus-wide policies and managing significant finance projects, most notably administration of $176M in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding, has strengthened the university’s financial standing and preparedness for future challenges.
After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in business administration in 2005, Ms. Cardona served as an audit supervisor for a mid-size audit and accounting firm in the Inland Empire before returning home to us as a lead accountant in 2010. Since then, she has worked diligently to ensure accuracy and compliance while providing thoughtful analysis and recommendations helping our university continue to grow and enhance lives for our students, faculty and staff. Her blend of external audit experience and her long-standing contributions to our campus community make her especially well-prepared to take on the expanded responsibilities of this new role.
Her leadership has always been grounded in a strong understanding of our university’s goals, and I have full confidence in her ability to continue fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility, transparency and collaboration. The most pressing goal is stable leadership for the Division and CPP as we navigate the current budget environment. In further consultation with the Academic Senate and the Provost, we will determine the most favorable time to launch a permanent search for the VP and CFO.
Please join me in congratulating Ms. Cardona and thanking her for her willingness to serve in this important leadership role and I ask you to offer your support and collaboration. Together, we will continue to navigate our evolving financial landscape and address the pressing challenges ahead.
Sincerely,
Soraya M. Coley, Ph.D.
President