jmcomicÂþ»­

Cecilia Ortiz
Executive Director

cecilia.ortiz@csun.edu

Tari Hunter
Associate Executive Director, Equity, Programs and Leadership

(818) 677-5652
tari.hunter@csun.edu

TariÌýis a homegrown, jmcomicÂþ»­N graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies & Pan African Studies.ÌýShe earned a Master of ScienceÌýdegree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University and most recently completed a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University.ÌýTariÌýhas held various and progressively responsible positions within higher education including Associate Director for Marketing and Programs at Santos Manuel Student Union, jmcomicÂþ»­, San Bernardino; Executive Director at Associated Students, Inc., San Jose State University; and Director, Office of Student Life & Cultural Centers at Cal Poly Pomona.

As the associate executive director at jmcomicÂþ»­N, Tari assists the executive director with corporate strategic planning and administration and serves as administrator in-charge in the absence of the executive director. The position provides administrative oversight for the following areas: ÌýDiversity and Inclusion, resource centers (DREAM, Pride, Veterans), HEAL Project, Programs, co-sponsorships & collaborations, and Board of Directors (BOD) leadership and development.

Joseph C. Illuminate
Associate Director, Accounting & Finance

(818) 677-6492
joe.illuminate@csun.edu

Joseph Illuminate has served as the Associate Director, Finance & Business Services since February 2004. He provides leadership and direction for the USU Finance & Business Services department. Joseph is focused on being a steward of student fees to ensure there are sufficient resources to fund programs and services for students at the highest level. He earned his master’s degree in Public Administration and graduate certificate in Business Administration from jmcomicÂþ»­, Northridge. Joseph also holds a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration with a specialization in accounting from jmcomicÂþ»­, Los Angeles.

Sharon S. Kinard
Associate Director, Administration & Communications

(818) 677-6025
sharon.kinard@csun.edu

Sharon S. Kinard started her employment with the University Student Union in 1999, serving in several progressively responsible positions prior to stepping into her current role as associate director in October 2020. A former news reporter with the Los Angeles Daily News who covered city and county governments and education, Sharon provides solid news, writing and editing experience. She has oversight of the Department of Administration, Marketing Department, Department of Technology Support Services and Assessment.Ìý

A former part-time co-instructor of assessment for jmcomicÂþ»­N’s Michael D. Eisner College of Education in its college counseling/student services graduate program, Sharon earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in journalism (English minor) from San Diego State University. She is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and Facilitator.

Sharon is passionate about measuring student success efforts, programs and services. She enjoys writing, hiking and mentoring, as well as thought-provoking books, films, family and good friends.Ìý

Samantha Liu
Associate Director, Operations & Services

(818) 677-2899
samantha.liu@csun.edu

Samantha Liu started her employment as a student assistant with the University Student Union in January 2007 — her second semester at jmcomicÂþ»­N. She since has served in a variety of roles and currently serves as the Associate Director, Operations & Services. She oversees the Operations & Facilities Planning, Facilities Maintenance and Reservations & Event Services departments. She is a double home-grown jmcomicÂþ»­N graduate with a master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Sector Management & Leadership and her undergraduate degree in Public Health Education.

Kristen Pichler
Associate Director, Human Resources & Professional Development

(818) 677-3849
kristen.pichler@csun.edu

Kristen Pichler, or KP as she’s more commonly known, started her employment with the University Student Union in 1985. Since then, she’s served in a variety of progressively responsible positions prior to stepping into her current role as the Associate Director, Human Resources & Professional Development in 2000, leading HR functions for the USU’s 450 employees and 40 volunteers. KP fosters a legal, safe, and fair employment environment, and is a champion of the student employment experience, encouraging students to acquire knowledge, skills, habits and attitudes that will help them succeed at work both now and post-graduation.ÌýShe is a devoted Matador, holding both a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in English, from jmcomicÂþ»­, Northridge.