Does Shared Services Really Save Money?
Tracks
Commercial Services
| Monday, January 12, 2026 |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Junior 4 |
Overview
Junior Ballroom 4
Details
Shared services initiatives are touted across the public and private sectors as cost-saving approaches to doing business, and more and more public entities are embracing these strategies during scarce budget times. This session will discuss the many objectives related to a shared services approach, and detail how cost savings can be achieved while also discussing the realities of how elements of shared services can actually require up front investments. Specific examples will be provided from the CSU Long Beach shared services case study that combined many services between the ASI and Beach Shops.
Speaker
Sylvana Cicero
Assistant Vice President And Chief Operating Officer
Student Auxiliary Enterprises
Does Shared Services Really Save Money?
Biography
Sylvana Cicero is Assistant Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Student Auxiliary Enterprises at Long Beach State. In this role she oversees ASI programs and services and also leads key operational teams supporting both ASI and Beach Shops, including facility management, sustainability, and communications and marketing. Sylvana has a long history of service to Long Beach State and to Associated Students in particular, serving almost 30 years in various professional capacities in the Student Union, Recreation & Wellness Center, and senior leadership teams. Sylvana earned her graduate degree from the Long Beach Public Administration program.
Miles Nevin
Associate Vice President & Executive Director
Student Auxiliary Enterprises
Does Shared Services Really Save Money?
Abstract
Shared services initiatives are touted across the public and private sectors as cost-saving approaches to doing business, and more and more public entities are embracing these strategies during scarce budget times. This session will discuss the many objectives related to a shared services approach, and detail how cost savings can be achieved while also discussing the realities of how elements of shared services can actually require up front investments. Specific examples will be provided from the CSU Long Beach shared services case study that combined many services between the ASI and Beach Shops.
Biography
Miles serves as Associate Vice President & Executive Director of Student Auxiliary Enterprises at Long Beach State, leading the Associated Students and Beach Shops auxiliary organizations. Miles has spent over 20 years in government, education, and non-profit leadership, with extensive experience in the Cal State University, California Community Colleges, and the City of Long Beach. In addition to his career work, Miles currently serves on the Long Beach Economic & Workforce Development Commission, and previously led the Airport, Police, and Utility Tax Commissions. A triple alumnus of Long Beach State, Miles most recently earned his Doctorate in Education from their Educational Leadership program.
