Justin Young has been selected to serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), effective June 10, 2024. Young has served within the UCAR Finance team for more than 26 years, and has spent more than six years as the organization’s Deputy Chief Financial Officer.

“I care deeply about this organization and the talented and dedicated people who serve its mission,” said Young. “I am thrilled 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, designing a succession and business continuity plan, creating a financial vision and roadmap for the organization, and more.

“Justin brings an unparalleled level of expertise and experience to this organization. Throughout my tenure, I have viewed him as a trusted thought partner who truly understands the uniqueness of our organization and how our business should function to serve science,” said Chief Operating Officer Alisha Swofford. “Justin is a creative problem solver who is incredibly approachable, humble, and collaborative. We simply could not have found an individual who would be better suited for this role from day one.”

Prior to stepping into the interim CFO role, Young provided steady leadership to the Budget and Planning, Contracts, Finance and Accounting, and Treasury teams as the Deputy CFO. He established strong working relationships between these groups and the organization’s labs and programs; collaborated with the CFO to establish the UCAR Investment Subcommittee, which provides oversight of the organization’s $150 million investment portfolio; and helped guide financial decisionmaking through the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the Pandemic Management Response Team.

“Justin is wholeheartedly committed to our mission, and he understands the importance of our work to society,” said UCAR President Antonio Busalacchi. “He is a deeply trusted member of our team who holds the organization’s utmost respect, and we are excited to see him step into this new leadership position.”

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 science.

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