MERCED — A college administrator at Ohlone College in the Bay Area will soon take a leadership post at Merced College.

Joanne Schultz, dean of business services at Ohlone, is scheduled to begin her post at Merced College as vice president for administrative services Jan. 2. Her base salary will be $151,162 a year.

Schultz said Merced College is a good fit for her given the size and challenges it currently faces. She's experienced similar issues and concerns at Ohlone College and was able to help the school overcome them.

Merced College, like any other community college in the state, faces budget challenges. In addition, it's facing hurdles to get its accreditation back.

"The skills that I come with are very closely aligned with what's going to be needed at the college now and in the future," she said.

Schultz said she brings her skills and connections. She's part of the Association of Chief Business Officials.

She said the association supports the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.

According to the organization's Web site, the nonprofit "offers business officers in California opportunities to develop professionally, to identify issues affecting community colleges."

Robin Shepard, spokesman for Merced College, said Schultz comes to the college with a solid reputation for collaboration and inclusiveness.

"Her management style will fit in perfectly at Merced College," he said. "While serving at Ohlone College, Dr. Schultz brought teams together to develop cost-saving efficiencies, expand revenue sources and encourage good business practices. She also helped to provide increased access for students while enhancing the learning environment."

Merced College President Ron Taylor said he's glad to bring such a competent and dedicated individual to the college in this important post.

"The vice president of administrative services is a role that has a large impact on many processes in the college," he said. "It is essential that we have someone in the role who is able to function at a high level in terms of communication, strategic thinking and sensitivity to the impacts of decisions."

Schultz didn't want to speculate much on changes that she would like to see at Merced College, but she said communication and transparency are important.

"It's more about what the college is looking for," she said.

"I want to help it be the best it can be."

Reporter Yesenia Amaro can be reached at (209) 385-2482, or yamaro@mercedsunstar.com.