Sebastian Rodriguez Natali
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Sebastian Rodriguez Natali
At University of Florida International Center, much of the work that supports students, faculty, and global programs happens behind the scenes—and the Budget and Finance Lead, Sebastian Rodriguez Natali plays a central role in making it all possible. Whether managing financial operations, supporting strategic initiatives, or helping maximize university resources, Sebastian approaches his work with a deep understanding of the international student experience and a commitment to service. “We maximize the UF internal resources in order to provide the students with the maximum value we can give them,” he says. Having once been an international student himself, Sebastian brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to his role at UFIC.
Sebastian was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and came to the US in his Senior year of high school to study in Oklahoma, “I had the opportunity to do a Rotary Youth Exchange program when I was seventeen years old.” After graduating from high school, he became an F-1 student, “I attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma.” He completed a bachelor’s degree in finance and stayed on to complete his MBA from the same university in 2009.
After starting a career as a business development specialist, Sebastian found an opportunity to move to Florida, by accepting a position in the Office of Contracts and Grants, here at UF as a Research Administrator, “I started in 2011 and was in charge of managing a portfolio of different grants.” The next move was to the UF College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014, where he started as an Accounting Coordinator, “That’s where I started as a manager, overseeing the shared center’s purchasing team, central store and mailroom operations.” By 2020, after been promoted several times, he found another promotion at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, as a Processing Team Manager, “My motto is constant improvement!” And that motto led him to his current role here at the International Center in 2022.
He was hired at UFIC as Finance Manager, “The International Center was dear to my heart because I was an exchange student, an international student, study abroad student—I was kind of all of them in one!” Sebastian’s main goal is to support the UFIC Strategic Plan and keep things operating smoothly, with his eye on financial resources and efficiency. “My goal is to assist the Dean and provide the best data and insights for her to make informed decisions and match her strategic direction and that of the university.”
Currently, Sebastian is also playing a key role in Empowering UF and the Workday implementation, helping ensure a smooth transition to the new ERP system. He is focused on making the process as seamless as possible while positioning the center to fully leverage the platform’s capabilities. In parallel, he is actively exploring ways to enhance processes using AI and emerging tools, identifying opportunities to automate workflows, improve data analysis, and strengthen reporting, so that UFIC can operate more efficiently and make more data-driven, forward-looking decisions.
In 2024 Sebastian participated in the inaugural COIL/VE (Collaborative Online International Learning) for Staff program with Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera in Valencia, Spain, “It was a great opportunity to see how other universities operate and approach their internal processes.” He worked with a member of the CEU staff, learning about intercultural competence and developing a project to present at the end of the experience. COIL projects are a type of virtual exchange or telecollaboration that have traditionally been offered to students.
After his experience as a participant, Sebastian became a facilitator of the second implementation of a COIL project and has since collaborated on the organization and facilitation of subsequent experiences. In 2025 he co-facilitated a program involving 29 participants from UF and São Paulo State University (UNESP) and in spring 2026 he co-led the program again with facilitators from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). "Sebastian has a deep understanding of operational and managerial issues and has enriched the COIL/VE for Staff program with his invaluable suggestions," notes Dr. Paloma Rodriguez, director of the Office of Global Learning, who leads the COIL/VE for Staff initiative. "He is truly a natural when it comes to professional communications, digital skills and facilitation. He is clear, engaging, and makes everyone feel at ease in English and Spanish! We work really well together."
When he’s not at work, Sebastian enjoys traveling, exploring new interests, and spending quality time around Gainesville with his 11-year-old daughter, Anabella. He’s also a lover of Formula 1 and soccer. Sebastian grew up playing soccer and rugby and even played a little football while in Oklahoma.
From Argentina to Oklahoma to the University of Florida, Sebastian’s journey has been shaped by adaptability and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Whether supporting innovative global programs, mentoring colleagues, or spending time exploring Gainesville with his daughter Anabella, Sebastian values connection, learning, and growth. When it comes to advice for outbound and inbound international students, Sebastian encourages everyone; “Take advantage of all the opportunities that arise!”
Story by: Terrence Funke
UF Photos by: Christina Cozart and Sebastian Rodriguez Nali