Arik Avanesyans (Photo – PUSD)
The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) has announced the appointment of Arik Avanesyans as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO), effective July 1, 2026. The appointment is pending approval by the Board of Education at its March 26, 2026, meeting.
By News Desk
Avanesyans joins PUSD from the Newhall School District, where he has served as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services since 2023. In his new role, he will oversee the district’s business operations, including budget development and oversight, facilities management, bond programs, procurement, food services, and information technology. The position also plays a key role in maintaining fiscal stability while supporting student achievement, and includes participation in the superintendent’s leadership team and collective bargaining negotiations.
Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D., praised the appointment, citing Avanesyans’ “strong track record of fiscal stewardship, operational excellence, and steady leadership.” She added that his experience managing complex systems will help strengthen the district’s financial foundation while keeping student needs at the forefront.
Avanesyans brings more than 20 years of experience in public education business services. Over the course of his career, he has held roles including assistant superintendent, chief business officer, and business manager across multiple California school districts. His accomplishments include overseeing construction of a new elementary school and implementing a comprehensive enterprise resource planning system that streamlined operations and improved service delivery.
His previous roles include leadership positions in the National School District, Upland Unified School District, and Southern Kern Unified School District. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Marshall University, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, Los Angeles, and a certificate in school business management from the University of Southern California. He also earned the Chief Business Official designation from the California Association of School Business Officials and was named the 2023–2024 Business Office Administrator of the Year by the Santa Clarita Valley Association of California School Administrators.
“I am deeply honored to join Pasadena Unified, a community with a strong commitment to student success and educational excellence,” Avanesyans said. “I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to this role and to contribute to work that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families every day.”
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