Gerry Panelo Elizondo

With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Gerry Panelo Elizondo has served in a variety of leadership roles across public and private institutions within and beyond California. Her career has spanned student affairs, academic affairs, finance and administrative services, with functional expertise in areas such as commuter and non-traditional student services, student unions, campus activities, residence life, enrollment management, and auxiliary services. She is passionate about college student development, commuter and non-traditional students, staff retention, multicultural and diversity issues, regional educational access, and advancing equity-minded leadership in complex higher education systems.

Gerry currently serves as Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration at the University of California, Merced, where she provides strategic leadership and oversees planning, communications, and administrative operations for the Division of Finance and Administration. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UC Davis and a Master of Education in College Student Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland, College Park.