Michael Fortes: Adding Excitement to Numbers

Michael Fortes understands numbers as Office and Finance Manager for UCSF’s University Relations department. Knowing the importance of UCSF's mission to the Bay Area and beyond, he pays close attention to all the administrative details that support the people who are out on the front lines making things happen. “Our finances are just one facet of how UCSF's story is told,” he says, “and yet, when I look at the finances for my department every day, I see our connection to UCSF's overall mission.”

Michael sees finances as numeric representations of his department's goals, strategies and tactics – and thus feels strongly connected to UCSF's mission and vision. As Michael puts it, “Numbers don't have to be dry and boring, and they shouldn't be when so many lives are affected by them.” After expressing his excitement in leading the department’s annual budget planning process, Michael received one of his best on-the-job compliments from UCSF’s Vice Chancellor. 

In his mind, he can see the transformation of budgets and expenses into their impact on our community – the launch of a new website to serve the campus community, the successful implementation of a helipad on the new Mission Bay hospital, or the gathering of brilliant minds from across the country to advance the field of precision medicine. While he may not be directly participating in these activities, he’s proud to know these achievements take place with his behind-the-scenes support.

We are driven by the idea that when the best research, the best education and the best patient care converge, great breakthroughs are achieved. We pursue this excellence through our people. We are all UCSF, united by a driving passion to solve the most challenging health issues of our time and to redefine what's possible. Join the conversation at www.ucsf.edu/oneUCSF.