Michelle Cardona
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Michelle Cardona
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Michelle Cardona brings more than 20 years of experience in audit, accounting, and higher education administration, distinguished by her commitment to fiscal stewardship, transparency, and operational excellence.
She currently serves as the Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Cal Poly Pomona, effective December 31, 2024, after having served as Administrator in Charge for Administrative Affairs beginning October 10, 2024. In this role, she provides executive leadership for a $400 million operating budget and oversees a wide portfolio of administrative and financial functions, including facilities planning, financial services, budget and analysis, procurement, risk management, internal audit, and public safety. She also serves on the boards of the Cal Poly Pomona Philanthropic Foundation and CPP Enterprises.
Prior to her current appointment, Ms. Cardona served as Associate Vice President for Financial Services and Controller, leading the university’s financial operations, guiding system enhancements, strengthening internal controls, and managing high-impact projects—including the administration of $176 million in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding. Her career at Cal Poly Pomona spans over a decade of leadership roles, including director/controller of University Accounting Services, GAAP and tax manager, and lead accountant. She also provided interim leadership for Facilities Planning and Management during a senior leadership transition, ensuring stability across critical campus operations. Earlier in her career, she served as an audit supervisor for a mid-size public accounting firm in the Inland Empire, where she managed audits and financial reporting for Joint Powers of Authority and Local Educational Agencies.
An alumna of Cal Poly Pomona, Ms. Cardona earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting (2005), and a Master of Business Administration (2016). She is recognized for fostering collaborative partnerships, strengthening financial sustainability, and advancing the university’s mission during times of opportunity and challenge.