Zac Bielling, M.H.A., has been named the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions’ assistant dean for administrative operations. In this role, he leads the college’s finance, human resources, information technology and sponsored awards programs.
Bielling has professional leadership experience in both public higher education and private hospital administration. He most recently served as associate director for administrative services in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, where he managed daily administrative operations, including compliance, cost analysis, financial, human resources, sponsored awards, space allocation and asset management.
Before joining the UF College of Engineering nine years ago, Bielling was employed with Health Management Associates, where his roles included completing the acquisition, transitional leadership and management of Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center as the associate administrator and chief operating officer.
For Bielling, joining the College of Public Health and Health Professions is a bit like coming home. He earned two degrees from PHHP: a Bachelor of Health Science in 2006 and a Master of Health Administration in 2008. His wife, Ashlie, is also a double graduate of the college, earning Bachelor of Health Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees. The two met as undergrads in the BHS program.
“I have a lot of strong personal connections that, naturally, in addition to taking that next step in my career, made this position at PHHP an opportunity that I definitely wanted to pursue,” said Bielling, a North Central Florida native.
He was also attracted to the diversity of the college, which offers 20 different degree programs, a robust research portfolio and clinical enterprise.
“PHHP is one of the most unique colleges at the University of Florida because of the complexity and the different types of health professions brought together,” Bielling said.
Bielling acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to bring operational and financial challenges, but remains hopeful that opportunities for new and/or sustained funding can be generated in clinical and sponsored programs. The challenge ahead is identifying and securing available funding, in addition to being a wise steward of the resources provided, he said.
“I am excited and honored to serve and lead the administrative operations of the college,” Bielling said. “The opportunity to partner with the talented faculty and staff colleagues is a blessing. I am hopeful that my service and leadership will bring great value to the faculty, staff, students and alumni of PHHP.”