Monthly Updates
October 20, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
As we move through the fall semester and toward the holiday season, our university communities are balancing midterms, student support, and the many responsibilities that come with a busy academic year.
This month, we're addressing some common questions and misconceptions about the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN), including which changes are part of broader CSU initiatives and which services are managed by the Network. Through facts, feedback, and real examples, we hope to provide a clearer picture of how the Network is working and where we're continuing to improve.
Questions & Facts About the Network
We’ve heard questions and concerns from faculty and staff across our universities. The information below provides context about what the Network is responsible for, what is part of broader CSU initiatives, and where service improvements are still needed.
Question: How well are Network services working?
Fact: While some services are still being refined, we recognize that employees have experienced delays and challenges navigating new systems and processes. At the same time, early feedback shows that many employees receive positive support. Of 737 respondents to service satisfaction surveys, 85.8% rated their experience positively (4 or 5 out of 5). We're using this feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and better meet campus needs.
Question: Why did the SFBRN choose complicated new systems that are difficult for users?
Fact: Not all changes employees are experiencing originate with the SFBRN. Some systems, including CSUBUY Procure-to-Pay, CHRS, and SAP Concur, are part of broader CSU initiatives to modernize and standardize administrative services.
While these systems were developed and selected at the CSU level, SFBRN teams play an active role in helping employees navigate them through implementation, training, guidance, and ongoing improvements. We also serve as a liaison between our campuses and the CSU, sharing employee feedback to help inform future system enhancements. Learn more about the differences between CSU-wide initiatives, SFBRN services, and Campus Collaborations in the section below.
Question: Is the Network making campus teams less accessible?
Fact: We know the introduction of our ticketing system can make it seem like the employees you regularly contact by phone, email, or in person are not as readily available. While the ticketing system is an important way of tracking questions and ensuring questions are answered in a timely way, our Network employees—the same ones you have always known—continue to work at each of our three universities. That hasn't changed. What we all gain by integrating the employees in our units is the ability to draw on a larger team of colleagues and expertise across campuses. Your local campus contact may introduce you to new faces from another university, expanding the support available to you.
Question: Has the Network achieved financial savings?
Fact: Yes, early estimates indicate approximately $3.5 million in cumulative Network savings for fiscal year 2025–26, primarily through attrition. SFBRN is developing its first annual report, which will provide more detailed information on how Network savings are calculated and reported, including results for each of the three universities.
Looking ahead, SFBRN will continue pursuing savings through opportunities such as technology and contract consolidation while strengthening services and preserving essential expertise. The Network's longer-term financial goals include achieving between 15–30% savings within each Network unit.
Understanding How We Work Together
Not all shared services and collaborative efforts across our universities operate the same way. Some are managed by the CSU Chancellor's Office, others by the SFBRN, and still others by individual campus departments.
Here's how they differ:
CSU Strategic Shared Services (C3S): Systemwide Services
Formerly known as the Multi-University Collaboration Initiative, C3S is led by the CSU Chancellor's Office and brings together selected administrative services to improve consistency, efficiency, and support across the CSU system.
San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN): Regional Shared Services
Managed by Cal State East Bay, San Francisco State, and Sonoma State, SFBRN brings together selected administrative services into one integrated regional organization. By sharing expertise, technology, and resources, the three universities can strengthen services while maintaining their distinct campus identities.
Campus Collaborations: Departments Working Together
Campus Collaborations bring departments from our three universities together to share resources, coordinate efforts, and solve common challenges. Unlike SFBRN services, these departments remain within their existing campus organizations and continue to manage their own operations.
The Key Difference
The distinction comes down to who manages the work and how it is organized: the Chancellor's Office manages C3S services, the three universities jointly manage SFBRN services, and participating campus departments manage Campus Collaborations. Learn more about CSU Shared Services.
Listening and Learning
Feedback from campus communities helps us understand what's working and where we need to improve. It also reminds us that behind every service request is a person trying to accomplish something important.
We welcome your feedback! Share your thoughts anonymously through our always-open Pulse Survey, also available on the SFBRN website.
What We're Hearing
As highlighted earlier, nearly 86% of respondents to Network Support Center incident surveys rated their experience positively. Their comments tell a fuller story, recognizing the expertise, patience, and responsiveness of our support teams while also identifying opportunities to improve response times, communication, and follow-through.
What's Working
Campus employees consistently recognize the expertise, professionalism, and dedication of Network support staff. Survey feedback highlights:
- Responsive support: Timely assistance and effective problem resolution.
- Knowledgeable staff: Technical expertise, patience, and clear guidance.
- Going above and beyond: Employees taking extra steps to resolve issues and meet individual needs.
- Personalized service: Friendly, approachable support that helps faculty and staff get back to their work.
Where We Can Improve
Survey feedback also highlights opportunities to strengthen the service experience:
- Response times: Reducing delays in responding to and resolving service requests.
- Communication: Providing clearer updates on ticket status, next steps, and expected timelines.
SFBRN teams are reviewing existing processes and establishing service level agreements (SLAs) to set clearer expectations, improve consistency, and strengthen accountability.
Where in the World Are Our SFBRN Leaders?
SFBRN leaders and teams regularly connect with employees across East Bay, San Francisco State, and Sonoma State through campus visits, town halls, workshops, training, and other engagements.
Last month, Nish Malik, Chief Information and Digital Strategy Officer, and Karen Moranski, Vice President, Regional Network Transformation, presented the Network's approach to collaboration and university operations at an EDUCAUSE poster session. Their presentation contributed to broader conversations about how universities can work together to strengthen administrative services.
Celebrating Our Successes
Here are a few recent improvements helping strengthen services across our three universities:
- Improving customer support: The Network Support Center upgraded its phone system to improve how incoming calls are managed and routed to support teams.
- Streamlining financial processes: Procurement and Accounts Payable teams improved CSUBUY workflows to support more consistent transaction processing and approvals.
- Supporting students: At Sonoma State, ITS implemented a new dynamic billing capability, giving students real-time access to their account balances and activity.
Looking Ahead
In November, we'll publish a new Faculty FAQ addressing common questions about the Network, shared services, and how faculty can access support. SFBRN teams will also continue improving service processes, strengthening coordination across our three universities, and providing practical guidance to help campus communities navigate shared services.
In partnership,
Jeff Wilson
Chief Executive and Financial Officer, San Francisco Bay Region Network
Vice President, Administration and Finance and CFO
San Francisco State University
Karen R. Moranski
Vice President of Regional Network Transformation
San Francisco Bay Region Network
Monthly Update Archive
Milestone Updates
The presidents confirmed Financial Aid for inclusion in Phase 3 of the San Francisco Bay Region Network. Building on the implementation of Phases 1 and 2, this decision marked the next stage in the Network’s continued development. Detailed planning is underway for the transition of Financial Aid operations.
On July 31, 2026, the San Francisco Bay Region Network officially went live with Phase 2 operations, expanding the Network to include Human Resources and Accounting & Financial Reporting. This milestone marked the Network’s second major operational launch and continued the phased implementation of shared administrative services across the three universities. With Phase 2 live, the Network continued its focus on service stabilization, process alignment, and strengthening regional operations.
The presidents approved the general direction of the operating models and organizational structures for Human Resources and Accounting & Financial Reporting. This milestone enabled detailed organizational design, process alignment, and implementation planning activities leading up to the July 2026 Phase 2 go-live.
The presidents approved the Phase 2 scope for the San Francisco Bay Region Network, confirming Human Resources and Payroll Services, and Accounting and Financial Reporting as the next service areas to be integrated into the shared services model. This approval marked an important milestone in the Network's continued expansion and provided the foundation for Phase 2 planning and implementation efforts.
On January 30, 2026, the San Francisco Bay Region Network officially went live with Phase 1 operations. Information Technology and Procurement & Accounts Payable services began operating within a shared regional framework, supported by newly established Network teams. This milestone marked the culmination of months of cross-campus planning, collaboration, and system-readiness work and represented a significant transition from design to sustained operations. With Phase 1 live, the Network entered its next chapter focused on service stabilization, continuous improvement, and building a strong foundation for future phases.
Management Personnel Plan (MPP) leaders identified for Phase 1 Network units were formally notified of their Network organizational alignments and reporting relationships. These alignments provide clarity and continuity as the Network moves toward implementation, with aligned leaders scheduled to begin in their Network roles effective January 1, 2026, in advance of the Phase 1 go-live.
As implementation planning advanced, the presidents approved detailed organizational charts for key Phase 1 Network units, including the Regional Network Transformation Office, Information Technology, and Procurement & Accounts Payable. This approval marked a significant milestone in establishing the foundational structure necessary to support the Network’s initial launch.
The presidents confirmed January 30, 2026, as the official go-live date for Phase 1 of the Network, marking a key transition from planning to execution. During this period, the presidents also affirmed the general direction of Network operating models and organizational structures, authorizing continued refinement in partnership with campus leadership while maintaining shared governance across the three universities.
Following the June kick-off, the three Network university presidents confirmed the initial functional scope for Phase 1 of the San Francisco Bay Region Network. Information Technology (IT) and Procurement & Accounts Payable (P2P) were identified as priority functions for implementation by January 2026. The presidents also affirmed a more intentional, phased approach to Human Resources operations, recognizing dependencies on broader CSU initiatives, including the implementation of a single CHRS instance.
Since the formal approval from the Board of Trustees of the California State University System, President Emily Cutrer of Sonoma State University, President Lynn Mahoney of San Francisco State University, and President Cathy Sandeen of California State University, East Bay met in June 2025. This official kick-off meeting brought together leaders from the three universities to set the Network vision and guiding principles, discuss implementation priorities, finalize governance, and map out project timeline. As more updates become available, we will prepare to share them through the Network website and will continue to keep all stakeholders informed of progress and new developments.
Following the initial Network proposal from the three university presidents in March 2025 to Chancellor García, the Network was officially presented to the Board of Trustees of the California State University System in May 2025. At this meeting, the Network received formal approval to move forward. The Network item, beginning on page 27, outlines the rationale for creating a single effective and cost-efficient organization of administration and finance functions and describes a timeline for the first four functional operations (human resources, procurement, financial aid, and IT help desk, IT project management, and IT applications support) to be completed by January 2026. In addition, it names all three presidents as equal executive sponsors and SFSU Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Wilson, as the Network project lead. In the coming months, Jeff Wilson will convene a communications team to develop a website and share continuous updates so stakeholders across the three universities will have synchronous access to information.
The San Francisco Bay Region Network comprises of Sonoma State University, San Francisco State University, and California State University, East Bay. The Network was initially shared by the three Network university presidents in March 2025 as a written commitment to the Chancellor García to create single administrative network integrating a range of transaction operations. The Network represents a creative and innovative collective response to the current landscape where urgent budget conditions and persistent demographic declines similarly and negatively impact the three campuses.
Communications Archive
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Announcing the Next Phase of the San Francisco Bay Region Network
What began as a shared vision has become an operational Network serving Cal State East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University. With the successful implementation of its first two operational phases, the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN) now includes Information Technology Services, Procurement & Accounts Payable, Human Resources & Payroll Services, and Accounting & Financial Reporting. These milestones have been made possible through the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of employees, managers, and leaders across all three universities. Today, we are pleased to share the next step in that journey. Following careful planning and review, we are pleased to announce that Financial Aid has been approved to join the San Francisco Bay Region Network as part of Phase 3. Financial Aid represents the Network's first functional area outside of Administration and Finance. This milestone reflects the continued evolution of the SFBRN as we thoughtfully expand our collaborative model while recognizing the unique role Financial Aid plays in supporting student success at each university. This next phase creates new opportunities for collaboration across our three universities. One of the Network's greatest strengths is the opportunity to bring together the collective expertise, creativity, and commitment of colleagues across our campuses to better serve our university communities and the students we collectively support. The Network's goal remains the same: to build a sustainable shared service model that strengthens consistency, resilience, and service across our three universities while preserving each institution's unique mission, identity, and relationship with its students. Planning activities for Phase 3 are now beginning. Financial Aid leaders have been notified, and Financial Aid employees have begun receiving additional information about what this announcement means for them. As with previous phases, implementation will occur over time through a thoughtful planning and organizational design process. We remain committed to communicating openly as planning progresses and to engaging the people whose expertise will help shape the future of the Network. We will continue sharing updates as additional information becomes available. Thank you for your continued support as we strengthen administrative services across our three universities while preserving the distinct mission and identity of each campus.
Sincerely, Cathy Sandeen President, Cal State East Bay
Lynn Mahoney President, San Francisco State University
Michael Spagna President, Sonoma State University August 20, 2026 |
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Dear Colleagues, Today, the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN) reaches another important milestone. As of today, Phase 2 services are officially live, expanding the Network to include Human Resources & Payroll Services as well as Accounting & Financial Reporting across Cal State East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University. This milestone reflects the continued commitment of our three universities to strengthening administrative services while preserving each institution's distinct mission and identity. It also reflects the collaboration and dedication of leaders and employees across all three campuses who have worked together to make this transition possible. What's New Beginning Today? For most employees, day-to-day work will continue as usual. The most significant change is that the Network Support Center (NSC) is now the first point of contact for Human Resources & Payroll Services questions and requests. Whether you're seeking assistance with hiring, payroll, benefits, employee relations, or other Human Resources services, the NSC will connect you with the appropriate Network team. As with any major operational transition, some employees may notice updates to processes or points of contact as Network operations continue to stabilize over the coming weeks. Current projects and services will continue without interruption, and the Network remains committed to providing responsive support throughout the transition. Need Support? Visit the SFBRN website to access:
Join Us for an Information Session Network leadership will host a virtual information session for faculty and staff to review the Phase 2 go-live, demonstrate how to access Human Resources & Payroll Services and Accounting & Financial Reporting support, and answer questions. As the San Francisco Bay Region Network continues to evolve, our commitment remains the same: providing responsive, consistent support for our university communities. In partnership, Jeff Wilson and Karen Moranski San Francisco Bay Region Network July 31, 2026 |
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From: Jeff Wilson, Chief Executive & Financial Officer, SF Bay Region Network and Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Administration & Finance San Francisco State University | Sonoma State University To: Employees at California State University East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University Dear Colleagues: I am pleased to announce that Nish Malik has been appointed as the Chief Information & Digital Strategy Officer for the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN), effective June 2026. After six months of service as the Interim Head of Network Information Technology, Nish has demonstrated strong leadership and a clear vision for advancing the Network’s technology strategy and collaboration across campuses, and we are pleased to continue working with him in this role. Nish brings more than 20 years of experience across higher education, state government, and the private sector. Prior to joining the Network, he served as the Senior Associate Vice President and CIO at San Francisco State University, where he led major initiatives in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and cloud adoption. Please join me in recognizing Nish for his continued leadership with the Network. We look forward to his ongoing contributions in advancing innovation and operational excellence across the SFBRN campuses.
June 5, 2026 |
From: Jeff Wilson, Chief Executive and Financial Officer, SF Bay Region Network and Vice President, Administration & Finance & Chief Financial Officer San Francisco State University | Sonoma State University
To: Employees at California State University East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University
Dear Colleagues:
Following a California State University-wide search, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ingrid Williams as the new Network Chief Human Resources Officer, effective today, April 20, 2026. This appointment further strengthens the Network as we continue advancing our shared services model.
Dr. Williams brings more than 20 years of progressive human resources leadership experience across higher education, along with a deep commitment to building organizations grounded in service, care, and accountability. She currently serves as the Senior Associate Vice President for Human Resources at San Francisco State University and is a member of the President’s Cabinet, where she provides strategic leadership across a comprehensive HR portfolio.
Since joining San Francisco State University in 2019, Ingrid has led a significant transformation of the HR organization, stabilizing operations, redesigning structures, and strengthening service delivery during a period of institutional complexity and change. Through thoughtful organizational alignment, investment in internal talent, and disciplined operational improvements, she has positioned HR as a strategic partner to the campus community.
Ingrid’s leadership is defined by her ability to navigate complexity while keeping people at the center. She brings extensive experience in labor and employee relations, talent strategy, organizational development, and HR operations, along with a strong track record of advancing equity, strengthening workforce planning, and leading through periods of fiscal and organizational transition.
In this new role, Ingrid will lead the development of a unified human resources model across the three Network universities, bringing together strategy, operations, and employee support into a more coordinated and consistent approach. Her leadership will be essential in strengthening service delivery, aligning practices, and fostering a shared culture rooted in collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement.
Please join me in congratulating Ingrid on this important appointment. We look forward to her continued leadership in advancing HR practices, fostering a high-performing workforce, and delivering operational excellence in service to the Network campuses.
April 20, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
The San Francisco Bay Region Network is now live.
As of today, Phase 1 services, Information Technology and Procurement and Accounts Payable, are operating through the Network. This marks an important step forward in how shared services are delivered across Cal State East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University.
Need support?
The Network Support Center (NSC) is your starting point for Network-related questions, issues, or requests. Using the NSC helps ensure your request is routed to the appropriate team and tracked for timely follow-up. We invite you to explore the Network’s updated website, which houses the Network Support Center along with additional resources and information, including a one-page reference guide.
As teams continue to align across campuses, some services, processes, and response paths may look different. Thank you for your patience as we stabilize and refine operations.
As a reminder, we will be hosting another Network Information Session next week:
Tuesday, February 3
1:15 PM to 2:00 PM
Register here.
We look forward to serving you as an operational Network and welcome your feedback. Please consider completing our Pulse Survey to share your experience and insights.
In partnership,
Jeff Wilson and Karen Moranski
San Francisco Bay Region Network
Dear Colleagues,
This message continues our series of brief weekly updates, highlighting what is most relevant as we approach the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN) January 30 go-live. Our next communication will occur on our go-live day.
Countdown to Go-Live: 4 Days to Go
This week’s focus is on readiness and support:
- Preparing campus communities for day-one changes
- Launching Procure-to-Pay (CSUBuy) with training and daily office hours
- Ensuring clear access to support through the Network Support Center
Procure-to-Pay (P2P): CSUBuy is Now Live
Cal State East Bay and San Francisco State University are now live with Procure-to-Pay (P2P) in CSUBuy.
Faculty and staff whose work involves purchasing, approvals, travel, or reimbursements are encouraged to review the full P2P memo to:
- Attend virtual daily office hours to support a smooth transition
- Attend in-person, virtual, or recorded training
- Become familiar with key timelines and how legacy processes are changing
These resources are intended to provide clear guidance and support as teams begin using the new system.
What’s Changing on Day One: Top 5 Highlights
Beginning January 30, the following changes will be most visible to the campus community:
- One front door for IT support through the Network Support Center
- A single phone number, email, and ticketing system for IT requests
- Network IT teams working collaboratively across the three universities behind the scenes
- Procure-to-Pay transactions routed through CSUBuy (New for CSUEB and SFSU)
- Expanded support options, including office hours and virtual information sessions
While some changes are visible, much of the Network’s work happens behind the scenes to ensure continuity and consistency of service.
New: Network Support Center “How to Get Help” Video
To help faculty and staff get familiar with the Network Support Center experience, we’ve created a short tutorial video that walks through the different ways to request support, including submitting a ticket online, getting help virtually, by phone, by email, or in person.
The video provides a clear, step-by-step overview of how to access support and is a helpful resource for anyone who wants a quick preview before go-live.
Network Information Sessions: Open to All
Network leadership will continue hosting SFBRN and Network Support Center information sessions, open to all faculty and staff across Cal State East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University.
These sessions will:
- Walk through the Network Support Center
- Review how to access IT and Procure-to-Pay support after go-live
- Provide an opportunity for questions and answers
Sessions are held virtually via Zoom. Register for a session below:
Thursday, January 29
2:15pm to 3:00pm
Register here to attend
Tuesday, February 3
1:15pm to 2:00pm
Register here to attend
Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership as we move into go-live week. Your collaboration is essential as we take this important step forward together.
With appreciation,
Jeff Wilson and Karen Moranski
San Francisco Bay Region Network
Dear Colleagues,
This message continues our series of brief weekly updates, highlighting what is most relevant as we approach the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN) January 30 go-live.
As we enter the final days before launch, these updates are intended to provide clarity on what to expect and where to find support as the Network transitions into shared operations for select services.
Countdown to Go-Live
10 days to go
In the days and weeks ahead, our focus remains on:
- Preparing for the launch of the Network Support Center on January 30
- Supporting Procure-to-Pay go-lives and other ongoing initiatives across the Network universities
- Ensuring university communities and Network teams are prepared for go-live
Network Support Center: What to Expect
Beginning January 30, the Network Support Center (NSC) will serve as the shared front door for IT support across Cal State East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University.
As a reminder from last week’s Network Support Center announcement, the NSC is designed to make accessing support simpler and more consistent across the universities. At go-live:
- There will be one phone number, one email, and one ticketing system for IT support
- Requests will generate a ticket and be handled by Network staff working collaboratively across the three universities
- The primary change is behind the scenes, as teams coordinate work across the universities to provide consistent service
The goal of the NSC is straightforward: to support employees in doing their jobs effectively, while system and application consolidation continue over time.
A screenshot preview of the NSC experience is available here to help familiarize you with what submitting a request will look like.
Procure-to-Pay (P2P): Reminder and Resources
As a reminder, Cal State East Bay and San Francisco State University will go live with Procure-to-Pay (P2P) on January 26, shortly ahead of the Network’s January 30 launch.
Faculty and staff whose roles involve purchasing, approvals, travel, or reimbursements are encouraged to review the full P2P memo and take advantage of available training sessions and office hours. These resources provide detailed guidance on timelines, system changes, and where to get help during the transition.
Network Teams and Service Model
To support transparency and collaboration, we have published organizational charts for Network IT and Procurement and Accounts Payable teams. These charts are intended to help university partners understand how teams are structured and how shared services are organized across the three universities.
Network Information Sessions — Open to All
Network leadership will host SFBRN and Network Support Center information sessions, open to all faculty and staff across Cal State East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University.
These sessions will:
- Walk through the Network Support Center
- Explain how to access IT and Procure-to-Pay support after go-live
- Provide an opportunity for questions and discussion
Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom once a week for the next three weeks. The first session will take place this week:
Thursday, January 22
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Thank you for your continued focus and collaboration as we prepare for January 30.
With appreciation,
Jeff Wilson and Karen Moranski
Dear Colleagues,
As shared in last week’s January Monthly Update, we are now entering the final weeks leading up to the Network’s January 30 go-live. This message is the first in a series of brief weekly updates focused on what’s most relevant right now as we move closer to day one.
Countdown to Go-Live
16 days to go
In the weeks ahead, our focus is on:
- Finalizing staff team assignments
- Preparing for the launch of the Network Support Center
- Supporting Procure-to-Pay go-lives and other ongoing initiatives across the Network universities
We’ll continue using these weekly updates to highlight what to expect as we approach January 30.
Staff Team Assignments: Timing Reminder
We remain on track to finalize staff team assignments by January 16. At that time:
- Network staff will be notified of the team they are part of, and
- Network staff’s new MPP managers will reach out directly to connect and welcome them.
Prior to these notifications, Network leadership will host virtual information sessions to answer questions, share what to expect at go-live, and welcome staff to the Network. Details and registration information will be shared shortly.
Network Support Center: What’s Coming
The Network Support Center (NSC) will officially begin operations on January 30, serving ultimately as the shared front door for IT and Procurement & Accounts Payable support across Cal State East Bay, San Francisco State, and Sonoma State.
The NSC is designed to provide:
- Clear entry points for support
- Consistent service and routing
- Faster resolution by directing requests to the right teams
A full NSC announcement, including hours of operation and contact methods, is available for reference.
Important note: Existing campus IT and service desk websites will remain available during the transition. There is no immediate cutover away from current sites, allowing time for communities to acclimate to the Network support model. Current sites will route support requests to the NSC.
Network leaders will also host information sessions for campus community members to walk through the NSC, answer questions, and discuss what to expect at go-live.
Procure-to-Pay (P2P) Updates
As Cal State East Bay and San Francisco State prepare for their Procure-to-Pay (P2P) go-lives on January 26, just days ahead of the Network’s January 30 launch, the Network is coordinating closely with Procurement and Accounts Payable teams to ensure staff have clear guidance and access to support during this transition.
If your role involves purchasing, approvals, travel, or reimbursements, please review this memo carefully. It includes information on go-live timelines, training opportunities, and regular support sessions where employees can receive individualized assistance with CSUBuy and Concur processes.
The memo from Procurement and Accounts Payable outlines:
- CSUBuy P2P go-live timing
- Training sessions and office hours
- Legacy system cutover plans
- Travel and expense system updates, including Concur
Supporting Ongoing Campus Initiatives
We recognize that many teams are supporting multiple initiatives at once, including Procure-to-Pay transitions and major enterprise efforts such as Cal State East Bay’s transition from Google to Microsoft 365. These efforts continue to be fully supported, and staff remain dedicated to ensuring their success alongside the Network go-live.
Thank you for your continued focus and collaboration. We’ll continue to share concise weekly updates as we count down to January 30.
With appreciation,
Jeff Wilson and Karen Moranski
San Francisco Bay Region Network
January 14, 2026
From: Jeff Wilson, Project Lead, SF Bay Region Network
and Vice President, Administration & Finance & Chief Financial Officer
San Francisco State University | Sonoma State University
To: Employees at California State University East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University
Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to share two important leadership appointments that strengthen the San Francisco Bay Region Network’s foundation as we move into the next phase of implementation.
Appointment of David Crozier
We are pleased to announce the appointment of David Crozier as the Network’s Chief Financial Services Officer, effective January 1, 2026.
David joins the Network with extensive leadership experience in financial services, operational management, process improvement, and strategic resource management. For the past eight years, he has served as Associate Vice President for Financial Services at Sonoma State University, providing senior oversight of financial operations, enhancing service delivery, and advancing strategic institutional priorities through collaborative, data-informed decision making.
Throughout his career, David has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence, customer service, and continuous improvement. His expertise in financial policy, organizational leadership, and technology-enabled solutions positions him well to lead the development of a unified financial services model for the region.
In this new role, David will guide the evolution of shared financial services across the three Network universities, strengthening stewardship, streamlining processes, and promoting innovation and service excellence.
Please join me in congratulating David on this important appointment.
Appointment of Lanaya Gaberel
We are also pleased to announce that Lanaya Gaberel has been appointed as the Network’s Senior Director of Learning and Professional Development, effective January 12, 2026.
Lanaya brings extensive experience in learning strategy, organizational development, leadership development, and culture transformation. For the past eleven years, she has supported organization development efforts at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, most recently serving as Senior Director of Employee Experience & Organization Development. In this role, she leads high-impact professional development initiatives, advances organizational effectiveness, and designs learning ecosystems that enable people to thrive through change. Her portfolio includes providing strategic planning, change management and leadership support for the Cal Poly–Cal Maritime integration, as well as developing a career-planning and upskilling pilot for university staff.
Her background includes deep expertise in adult learning theory, instructional design, leadership programs, and organization-wide change management. She is known for building inclusive learning cultures, leveraging data to enhance outcomes, and fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups.
In this new role, Lanaya will lead the Network’s workforce learning strategy, guiding the upskilling, readiness, and cultural integration efforts that prepare staff across all three Network universities for the work of the future. Her leadership will be foundational in developing regional professional development pathways and ensuring our teams are supported during the Network implementation and beyond.
Please join me in welcoming Lanaya to this vital leadership role.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership as we continue strengthening the SF Bay Region Network. I’m excited for all the opportunities the new year will bring to our Network universities.
December 22, 2025
From: Jeff Wilson, Project Lead, San Francisco Bay Region Network, California State University
To: Employees at California State University, East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University
Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to announce that Jenifer Barnett has been appointed Senior Director of Procurement and Accounts Payable for the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN), effective immediately.
Jenifer brings to this position more than two decades of leadership experience at Sonoma State University, where she has overseen procurement, contracts, and accounts payable operations with a strong focus on efficiency, compliance, and collaboration across the California State University (CSU) system.
Jenifer has played a key role in several systemwide initiatives, including the implementation of CSUBuy and Concur Single Instance. She has also helped shape the future of procurement across the system through her contributions to the CSU Multi-U Initiative. Most recently, she conducted an assessment for the Network on integrating Procurement and Accounts Payable operations. Her proven ability to lead teams, optimize operations, provide CSUBuy and Concur training to employees, and foster partnerships across campuses makes her exceptionally well-suited for this new regional leadership role.
Jenifer will report directly to Dr. Karen Moranski, Vice President of Regional Network Transformation, until the search for the Network Chief Financial Services Officer has been completed with the assistance of the CSU Chancellor’s Office.
Please join us in congratulating Jenifer and welcoming her to this expanded position within the SFBRN. We look forward to her continued leadership in advancing procurement and accounts payable through operational excellence and service to the SFBRN campuses.November 5, 2025
Interim Head of Network IT Appointment for the SF Bay Region Network - Nish Malik
From: Jeff Wilson, Project Lead, San Francisco Bay Region Network
To: Employees at California State University, East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University
Dear Colleagues:
After a competitive search process, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Nish Malik as the new Interim Head of Network Information Technology for the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN), effective immediately.
Nish brings over two decades of leadership experience across higher education, state government, and the private sector. Most recently, he served as Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at San Francisco State University, where he led major digital transformation initiatives that strengthened institutional resilience, improved user experience, and advanced cybersecurity and responsible AI integration.
Throughout his tenure at San Francisco State, Nish successfully consolidated distributed IT units into a unified organization, built high performing teams, implemented enterprise-wide modernization efforts, delivered resilient IT infrastructure, and championed cloud-first strategies and generative AI adoption. His leadership earned multiple California Public Higher Education Innovation Focus on Efficiency and Cal State Tech Awards for efficiency, organizational growth, and technology leadership.
A collaborative leader and community builder, Nish has served on systemwide CSU technology governance committees and on the board of the California Technology Council. He holds a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University.
Please join us in welcoming Nish Malik to his new role serving all three campuses in the Network. We look forward to his continued leadership in advancing technology innovation, operational excellence, and service to the SFBRN campuses.
October 21, 2025
Introducing the SF Bay Region Network Website – Our Next Step Forward
On behalf of the Presidents of Sonoma State, San Francisco State, and Cal State East Bay, we are pleased to announce the launch of the official San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN) website.
Appointed by the Presidents to lead this important regional initiative, we are honored to share this next step forward with you. This announcement is being shared jointly across all three campuses today, underscoring our shared commitment to collaboration and unified progress.
This site represents our shared commitment to transparency, engagement, and progress. It offers a central hub where faculty, staff, and administrators across the three campuses can explore updates, project milestones, FAQs, and ways to get involved. Whether you are closely involved or are just beginning to learn about the Network, you’ll find valuable insight into where we are—and where we’re headed.
We’re also committing to monthly updates on the website to ensure you remain informed every step of the way. We invite you to explore the site regularly as new information becomes available. Your voice matters—please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts through the SFBRN Pulse Survey or by emailing info@sfbrn.calstate.edu, both linked directly on the homepage.
Thank you, as always, for your continued commitment, curiosity, and collaboration as we build something new—together.
In partnership,
Jeff Wilson
Project Lead, San Francisco Bay Region Network
Vice President, Administration and Finance and CFO
San Francisco State University | Sonoma State University
Karen Moranski
Vice President of Regional Network Transformation
San Francisco Bay Region Network
July 25, 2025