2017/2018 Ernest & Leslie Zomalt Outstanding Service Award

I am pleased to announce that Neal Hoss, vice president for Finance and Administrative Services (FAS), is the recipient of the 2017/2018 Ernest & Leslie Zomalt Outstanding Service Award.

The Zomalt Award is given annually to a staff member or MPP/administrator for their contribution toward the achievement of the University’s mission and demonstrated service to the campus community. Neal embodies the principles of the Zomalt Award through his indispensable service to Cal State San Marcos.

During his almost 13-year tenure at CSUSM, Neal has supported the campus and our students by collaborating and communicating with transparency and respect from a university- and student-first position of support and success.

He has led two of the five divisions on campus: Finance and Administrative Services and University Advancement. His first three years on campus as the vice president for Finance and Administrative Services focused on building an infrastructure that would support CSUSM through its accelerated growth. His planning and foresight as CFO helped CSUSM weather several difficult budget years while preserving jobs and serving as many students as possible.

In 2008, Neal accepted the position of VP for University Advancement. This interim assignment turned into a successful eight-year appointment that helped build a cohesive team responsible for establishing CSUSM’s first philanthropic board and launching a comprehensive campaign to raise $50 million.

Last year, Neal returned to Finance and Administrative Services and helped move CSUSM into a stronger fiscal position. He established a cross-divisional budget committee that implemented university-first solutions for addressing problems and initiated creative funding strategies and solutions that ensure students, faculty and staff are well supported.

His strong commitment to transparency in budgeting has enhanced trust and further contributes to promoting a positive work environment for the FAS Division and the University.

For exemplifying the values of professionalism, commitment to others and dedication to CSUSM, Neal is the ideal recipient of the Zomalt Award. He will be recognized at the Faculty and Staff Awards on January 18. Please join me in congratulating him on this well-deserved honor.

Karen S. Haynes,
President