University of California, Santa Cruz

Cristen Babik was named Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation in November 2022 after being hired as the Business Operations Manager in February of 2020.  Prior to that, she was the Assistant Athletic Director for Business Operations at Rider University.
 
While at Rider, Babik was responsible for all financial related business, including the budget planning process, revenue, and contracts.  She ensured alignment with the University’s strategic plan and policies.  While also managing and overseeing all department related travel logistics.

Babik is a native of California, where she spent just under 4 years as a development manager for the March of Dimes.  She relocated to New Jersey in 2010 before accepting the position at UC Santa Cruz and moving back to California in 2020.

She received her Bachelor's degree in kinesiology from California State University, Fresno and received a Master's degree in organizational leadership at Rider University.

Babik and her husband Joe reside in Santa Cruz with their sons Elijah and Landon.