Employee of the Month - April 2026
John Balarosan, Lead Financial Systems Analyst
Financial Management
Awarded Wednesday, April 8 at Friendship Walk. John was joined by President Andrew Jones, Vice President of Administration and Finance Scott Apel, Associate Vice President of Financial Management Milton Ordonez, and numerous campus colleagues.
John Balarosan is recognized as CSULB’s Employee of the Month for his exceptional service, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence. Nominated by Mary Nguyen from Contract Services, John is described as a “trusted and indispensable resource” whose work plays a vital role in supporting the University’s mission.
Working within the Financial Management Department—an operationally critical area on campus—John consistently demonstrates a remarkable ability to keep systems running efficiently and accurately. His responsiveness sets him apart; as noted in his nomination, “John’s turnaround time is remarkable…he responds in record time.” Whether troubleshooting complex workflow challenges or resolving technical issues, his work ensures that essential campus operations continue without disruption.
John’s impact extends beyond problem-solving. He is deeply committed to fostering a culture of learning and collaboration. “He does not simply resolve issues; he empowers staff,” taking time to explain processes and guide colleagues so they can confidently navigate challenges on their own. This approach strengthens teams across campus and reflects CSULB’s core values of teaching, learning, and continuous improvement.
Colleagues also value John for his professionalism and approachable nature. Known for his “solutions-oriented mindset” and calm presence, he creates an environment where others feel supported—even in high-pressure situations. His ability to remain “calm and constructive” helps build trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging within the campus community.
John’s contributions, while often behind the scenes, have a far-reaching impact. By streamlining processes and empowering others, he helps ensure that departments can effectively serve students and fulfill the University’s broader mission. As his nominator noted, “His work may occur behind the scenes, but its impact is campus-wide.”
John shared his career journey at CSULB, “I’ve been part of the CSULB community since 1996. I started as a parking attendant with the Research Foundation, and what started as just a job turned into a long career that’s really shaped who I am.
“In 2015, I became a state employee. Since then, I’ve taken on a lot of new challenges and different kinds of asks, some pretty complex, but I’ve always appreciated the trust. Those experiences have helped me grow, learn, and look at things differently.
“A big part of my journey has also been the mentors I met along the way. They took the time to guide me early on, and that stuck with me. It’s influenced not just how I work, but how I try to support others too.
I’m just grateful to still be here and to keep contributing in whatever way I can.”
Through his dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence, John Balarosan truly exemplifies the values and spirit of CSULB.