As previously announced by VP Dooley, two new business operations centers are being established to serve ANR programs. Both business operations centers are being established Jan. 1. Staffing will take place throughout the spring, based on staffing level recommendations by the Administrative Review Council and approval by VP Dooley.

Cherie McDougald, currently Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Central Valley Regional Office of Cooperative Extension, will lead the Business Operations Center – Kearney (BOC-K) while continuing her appointment as CAO of the region through June 30, 2010. This unit will be located at the Kearney REC in Parlier and will serve county-based programs.

Nikki Humphreys, currently CAO for the North Coast & Mountain Regional Office of Cooperative Extension, which closes Dec. 31, will lead the Business Operations Center – Davis (BOC-D). The BOC-D will provide business services to the new Strategic Initiatives, statewide programs, Research and Extension Centers (at the administrative office level), Contracts and Grants, Academic Personnel, and Staff Personnel.

Both business operations centers will work in collaboration with the newly announced Academic Program Support Unit led by Coordinator Joni Rippee.  McDougald and Humphreys will report to Associate Vice President Kay Taber.

Kathy Carrington, CAO for the Central Coast & South Regional Office (CCSR) of Cooperative Extension, will remain CAO of the region through June 30, 2010. From July 1, 2010, through Dec. 31, 2010, Carrington will be overseeing the final transition of the business operations and contracts and grants from CCSR to the Business Operations Center-Kearney and dispersal of equipment and records from the region while working directly with the Office of the Associate Vice President – Business Operations.

Some of the major functions of the Business Operations Centers include:
Contracts & Grants (budget review, new account notice, cost share/effort reporting)
Payroll (time & leave reporting for academic and staff employees)
Payroll/Personnel System (personnel action entries for academic and staff employees)
Gift acceptance
Purchasing
Accounts Payable
Bank accounts
Direct charges
Travel and entertainment
Financial management
Sales and service (income)
Equipment inventory and procurement (for county-based programs and statewide programs)