News
Justin Young named new UCAR chief financial officer
Young has a long history at UCAR and has served in a variety of financial leadership roles since joining the organization in 1998.
June 6, 2024 – by Jessica Bauters
Justin Young has been selected to serve as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), effective June 10, 2024. Young has served on the UCAR Finance team for over 26 years and spent over six as the organization’s deputy financial director.
“I care deeply about this organization and the talented and dedicated people who serve its mission,” Young said. “I’m excited to be able to do more to serve them, continue building relationships and help create a stronger UCAR, NSF NCAR and UCP in this role.”
As CFO, Young will help lead efforts already underway to help UCAR transform its financial services in response to a changing internal and external landscape, including the launch of a new financial system using Workday Financials, the design of a Business succession and continuity planning, creating a financial vision and roadmap for the organization and much more.
“Justin brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and experience to this organization. Throughout my tenure, I have found him to be a trusted partner who truly understands the uniqueness of our organization and how our business must work to serve science,” said Chief Operating Officer Alisha Swofford. “Justin is a creative problem solver, incredibly approachable, humble and collaborative. We simply could not have found an individual who was better suited to this role from day one.”
Prior to assuming the role of Interim CFO, Young provided ongoing leadership to the Budget & Planning, Contracts, Finance & Accounting, and Treasury teams as Deputy CFO. He established strong working relationships between these groups and the organization’s laboratories and programs; collaborated with the CFO to establish the UCAR Investment Subcommittee, which oversees the organization’s $150 million investment portfolio; and helped guide financial decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the Pandemic Management Response Team.
“Justin is fully committed to our mission and understands the importance of our work for society,” said UCAR President Antonio Busalacchi. “He is a deeply trusted member of our team who has the highest respect within the organization, and we are excited to see him take on this new leadership role.”
Young holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa and an MBA from Drake University.
UCAR is a nonprofit consortium of 126 North American colleges and universities focused on research and training in Earth system sciences.