CBO Speaks

Carla Hoʻā is vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. In this episode, Hoʻā joins host Melissa Farley to talk about building organizational resilience, leading through complexity, and transforming higher education through relationship-centered leadership. "The role of the CBO has changed over time... moving from a more transactional leadership to a strategic level of leadership," Hoʻā says. She emphasizes that modern higher education finance leaders must be catalysts who get out of their offices to find paths forward for their organizations. "We cannot be passive leaders in this space. We have to be catalysts for our organizations." Join us for a conversation with Hoʻā as she discusses navigating institutional scale, implementing AI in administrative systems, building trust through shared governance, and creating lasting organizational impact through people-centered leadership. Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Chris Gardner is chief financial officer at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. In this episode, Gardner joins our host Melissa Farley to discuss the evolving role of higher education CFOs, building authentic leadership through relationship-focused management, and navigating institutional identity in challenging times. "I want people to hopefully feel like they could approach me, that I could be a partner in whatever situation they were navigating. The CFO or business office can very easily get the reputation of being the office of 'no'," Gardner says, reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave. "I would much rather be known as the office of 'I'm not sure, but let's try and figure it out.'" Gardner emphasizes the importance of partnership and creative problem-solving in financial leadership. Join us for a conversation with Gardner as he discusses implementing major technology transitions at a small institution, maintaining institutional identity in a changing higher education landscape, and developing the next generation of financial leaders through mentorship and empowerment. Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Audra Kahr is executive vice president for finance and administration at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. In this episode, Kahr joins our host Melissa Farley to discuss her journey from private sector accounting to higher education leadership, building exceptional teams, and creating a legacy focused on student success.   "Leadership is about really taking everything you've encountered throughout your life and making it come to life in better ways. As leaders, we fail all the time. We don't always get the right answer," Kahr says. This philosophy shapes how she approaches team building and institutional growth. "What I will do is own it if I get it wrong. I will be honest. I've lived my career by the values that I set early on, and I think if you demonstrate that for your team they can then emulate that."   Join us for a conversation with Kahr as she shares insights on managing diverse responsibilities, adapting to higher education's changing landscape, and maintaining a student-centered approach to financial leadership.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Alan Gilbert is senior vice president for finance and administration at Brooklyn College, part of the City University of New York system in Brooklyn, New York. In this episode, Gilbert joins our host Melissa Farley to discuss leading through transformative times, building trust-based organizational culture, and adapting higher education to meet evolving student needs.   "Be yourself is the most important thing," Gilbert says. His authentic leadership style has shaped his approach to managing teams and institutional challenges. "If you don't love students and you don't get the energy from the students, you can't be a CBO. It's all about the students."   Join us for a conversation with Gilbert as he talks about navigating the pandemic's challenges, implementing AI responsibly in higher education, and creating a legacy through mentorship and institutional improvement.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Kevan Buck, president of finance and administration and chief financial officer, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, joins host Melissa Farley to discuss mission-driven leadership, embracing innovation, and creating meaningful student experiences in higher education.   "It really comes down to one thing and that's students. If you're on a campus when the kids arrive in the fall and you walk out and you just feel the excitement of the students and the families, it's pretty amazing," Buck says. Having served in higher education finance for over 40 years, he emphasizes the importance of understanding both the business and human aspects of institutional operations. "It's really about the students and about the mission of education."   Join us for a conversation with Buck as he shares insights about launching Xavier's new College of Osteopathic Medicine, navigating demographic challenges in higher education, and finding work-life balance in demanding leadership roles. He also discusses how the role of CFO has evolved to become more integrated across university operations, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and why maintaining focus on student success remains critical for institutional leadership.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

In this special transition episode of CBO Speaks, longtime host Donna Schiele welcomes incoming host Melissa Farley, former corporate journalist with USA Today Network and current host of The Morning Show in Arizona.   "I'm really excited to uncover the stories behind the titles," Farley says. "I want to understand not just what our guests do, but how they think, what motivates them, and the lessons they've learned along the way."   Join us for this milestone conversation as Farley shares her vision for diving into the human side of higher education leadership and exploring the challenges and solutions shaping the industry. This episode marks the conclusion of Schiele's tenure and launches Season 12 of CBO Speaks.

Kimberly Kvaal is executive vice president and vice president for administration and finance at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. In this episode, Kvaal joins our host Donna Schiele to discuss finding purpose in higher education leadership, the power of mentorship in career development, and innovative approaches to financial sustainability in modern universities.   "I think now more than ever for the CBO, it is important to be able to tell the story about why the business model doesn't work and attract supporters for the necessary steps that we need to take to sustain our institutions," Kvaal says. This perspective comes from nearly three decades of experience in higher education finance. "It's that ability to be able to communicate technical information, complicated information clearly to be open to providing feedback and building relationships because so much of the work that we do is through building support across campus." She emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships while navigating difficult financial decisions.   Join us for a conversation with Kvaal as she shares insights about managing a $110 million operating budget, creating strategic partnerships for revenue generation, and balancing institutional mission with financial strategy.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

John Crawford is vice president for finance and chief financial officer at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. In this episode, Crawford joins our host Donna Schiele to discuss following in his father's CPA footsteps, managing Texas A&M's massive $2.5 billion budget during a tuition freeze, and navigating the evolving landscape of higher education finance.   "I think evaluating the P3 [public-private partnership] opportunities is crucial," Crawford says, highlighting the importance of strategic financial management in modern higher education. "We as a leadership team just have to be more strategic in how we approach things." Crawford emphasizes how universities must adapt to new funding realities while maintaining public confidence and institutional growth.   Join us for a conversation with Crawford as he shares insights about centralizing financial operations across campus, balancing infrastructure investments with affordable tuition, and the vital role of professional organizations like NACUBO and SACUBO in developing higher education finance leaders.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Robin Van Harpen is senior vice chancellor for finance and administrative affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In this episode, Van Harpen joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about transitioning from legal counsel to CFO leadership, navigating institutional financial challenges, and fostering an environment where talent can thrive.   "Leadership in higher education is not easy. It's not for the faint of heart. And that's not going to change," Van Harpen says, reflecting on the realities of higher education leadership. "But I think it is worth it. It's a little bit like my child who's not easy going. And I say, there are challenges, but they are equally matched by the joy."   Join us for a conversation with Van Harpen as she discusses UWM's mission as an urban doctoral institution, strategies for maintaining financial sustainability during enrollment shifts, and her approach to leadership development.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Christopher Calvert is chief financial officer and vice president of administration and finance at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky. In this episode, Calvert joins our host Donna Schiele to discuss his journey from private sector finance to higher education leadership, implementing data-driven financial strategies, and navigating the evolving landscape of institutional finance.   "One of the things that I did learn as I've gone through the various progressions of my career is just learning how to be strategic, learning how to communicate strategy," Calvert says, reflecting on key leadership lessons. "Don't be afraid to stick your neck out a little bit. Don't be afraid to say what's on your mind. Be polite about it. Don't be afraid to be wrong." His emphasis on open communication and calculated risk-taking provides valuable guidance for aspiring CBOs.   Join us for a conversation with Calvert as he shares insights about transforming institutional finances, reversing enrollment declines through data-driven decisions, and preparing higher education institutions for future demographic shifts. His approach to combining business acumen with mission-focused leadership offers a fresh perspective on higher education finance.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

The fifth edition of the National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers, released last year, offers crucial insights into the career paths, responsibilities, and aspirations of CBOs across the country. In this special crossover episode between CBO Speaks and NACUBO in Brief, host Donna Schiele and NACUBO's Bryan Dickson explore the Profile's findings with Nicole Long, chief financial officer and vice president of finance and administration at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, and Peter Elliott, vice president for administrative services at South Florida State College in Avon Park, Florida.   The Profile examines key demographic trends in higher education leadership, revealing significant progress in diversity while highlighting areas still needing improvement. Long and Elliott provide valuable context around the study's findings on career pathways, succession planning, and evolving skill requirements. Their discussion emphasizes how the CBO role continues to expand beyond traditional financial oversight, with increasing focus on data analytics, new business models, and strategic planning - areas that require intentional development of future leaders.   Join us for an insightful discussion about: Key findings from the 2024 CBO Profile, including demographic shifts and emerging trends Essential skills for modern CBOs, including strategic planning and change management The importance of succession planning and developing future leaders How the role of CBO continues to evolve and expand beyond traditional financial responsibilities Strategies for attracting diverse talent to CBO positions The 2024 National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers provides crucial insights into the changing nature of the profession, revealing how the role continues to expand beyond traditional financial oversight to encompass strategic planning, data analytics, and comprehensive institutional leadership. This discussion brings these findings to life through the experiences of current CBOs, offering valuable perspective for institutions and leaders working to develop the next generation of higher education business officers.   Links Learn more about the National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Abby Benson is vice president for administration and finance at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island. In this episode, Benson joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her diverse career path, the importance of curiosity and transparency in leadership, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.   "I would say that curiosity is really important. I think always being curious, always being willing to learn, I think is in line with the values of higher education," Benson says. Continually asking questions and digging into issues provides valuable learning experiences that can be applied to future challenges. "I know that the times that I've asked questions, the times that I've dug into trying to understand an issue are the times that I feel like I'm learning so much, and I know that I can bring that to whatever my next challenge will be."   Benson goes on to talk about the importance of transparency as a chief business officer. Sharing information and providing opportunities for people to ask questions helps build trust, which is essential when navigating change. Without transparency, people may resist new initiatives or budget models because they don't understand the reasoning behind the decisions being made.   Join us for a conversation with Benson as she talks about cementing the role of higher education institutions as vital to society, the value of a college degree in changing lives and trajectories, and advice for aspiring leaders to recognize how their skills can translate to new roles and opportunities.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Carmen Roberts is the executive director of operations at Great Falls College Montana State University in Great Falls, Montana. In this episode, Roberts joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her journey to becoming a higher education leader, the challenges and opportunities in operations management, and the importance of fostering collaboration among diverse teams.   "Don't be afraid to take on something that's outside your comfort zone that you don't necessarily know anything about," Roberts says. She emphasizes the value of embracing new challenges and stepping outside one's job description to gain recognition and demonstrate capabilities. "Those other duties are assigned, that's where you get noticed. That's where people see how hard you work, what you're capable of. If you really aspire to leave, sometimes you have to do that. You have to focus on the other duties as assigned." Roberts goes on to talk about the importance of saying yes to opportunities, even when they may seem daunting or unfamiliar, as a key to career growth and success in higher education operations.   Join us for a conversation with Roberts as she talks about navigating leadership transitions, successfully completing major facilities projects, and the motivations that drive her to excel in her role supporting students and staff.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Brian Lueth is vice president for finance and business at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In this episode, Lueth joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about his journey from public accounting to higher education, the importance of effective communication in conveying financial information, and strategies for maintaining affordability and access for students.   "I always try to start the conversation not with a 'no'. I think that's easy for the CFOs to be pigeonholed into that person that always says 'no', and sticking to the budget and those types of things," Lueth says. He emphasizes the importance of reframing conversations to focus on how resources are allocated and the impact of initiatives on students. "I always try to reframe the conversation with, 'Let's see if we can figure it out, let's see if we can talk about how we are allocating resources.'"   Lueth goes on to talk about the value of listening to understand, being transparent, and learning from failures as critical qualities for managing the business side of higher education. He also discusses the potential for community colleges to fill the gap in the changing landscape of higher education, particularly in terms of affordability, shorter time to credentials, and alignment with industry needs.   Join us for a conversation with Brian Lueth as he talks about the financial challenges facing community colleges, the role of data governance in promoting equitable student outcomes, and his advice for aspiring leaders in higher education finance.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Michelle Matis is vice president of finance and CFO at Lake-Sumter State College in Leesburg, Florida. In this episode, Matis joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her career path in higher education finance, managing financial health during challenging times, and the importance of collaboration and transparency.   "I always try to instill that with my team first, that we're going to be transparent. It's helpful if when we're talking to people, we're giving the same message so that there's clarity and consistency," Matis says. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication and using consistent terminology when discussing financial matters. "Making sure we're using the same language is important. Then just communicating often and regularly." Matis goes on to talk about educating staff on the college's finances, funding sources, and budget allocation to foster a shared understanding.   Join us for a conversation with Matis as she talks about balancing long-term investments with short-term needs, the evolving role of institutional advancement, and her advice for aspiring financial leaders in higher education.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations (brand new!) NACUBO in Brief

Todd Kilburn is chief financial officer at Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) in Kentucky. In this episode, Kilburn joins our host Donna Schiele to discuss navigating institutional transitions, balancing financial leadership with student success, and the evolving responsibilities of modern chief business officers across KCTCS's 16 colleges, 70 campuses, and over 85,000 students.   "I love discussions around strategy... I want to find a place where I can be a strategic thought partner," Kilburn says, reflecting on what drives his career choices and lateral moves. "I like helping to set the strategy and helping the institution advance its goals and its mission." He emphasizes the importance of finding roles that align with one's strengths while continuing to present new challenges.   Join us for a conversation with Kilburn as he shares insights on managing a system of 300+ buildings, the critical role of resourcefulness in leadership, and how maintaining student-centric focus drives strategic financial planning.   Links Connect with Todd on LinkedIn Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations (brand new!) NACUBO in Brief

Harry Allen is executive VP for financial excellence and CFO at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. In this episode, Allen joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about his journey from banking to higher education, the importance of relationships and service in leadership, and his vision for the future of finance in higher ed.   "I view my role in the many roles that I've had in my career. I'm mostly one that is empowering others and serving as the catalyst," Allen says. He emphasizes the importance of listening, learning and collaborating to find mutually beneficial solutions. "And so I show up to tables to listen and learn. And I think when you spend time doing that first, you get a true understanding of what the person's goals and motivations are versus coming to the table ready to say no to something."   Allen goes on to talk about his excitement for the future, seeing AI not as a threat but as a tool to enhance human creativity and innovation. He advises emerging leaders in higher ed to raise their hand for special projects, serve their community, and stretch outside their comfort zone to gain new skills. Join us for a conversation with Allen as he talks about Belmont's explosive growth, building proactive financial infrastructure, and leaving a legacy of service and philanthropy.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Reach out to Harry on LinkedIn Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Kimberly Wagner is the vice president of business and finance at Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois. In this episode, Wagner joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her transition from corporate accounting to higher education, the importance of empowering and investing in your team, and trends and changes in community colleges.   "I think truthfully sweating the small stuff sometimes back then does make you appreciate later, you know, looking back," Wagner says. She emphasizes the value of truly listening and absorbing information, especially early in your career. "One thing that I wish I would have done more, and I think I tried my best as much as I can, is that listening – truly listening – you need to listen and absorb." Wagner goes on to advise aspiring leaders to think carefully before responding, noting the wisdom in pausing and delivering thoughtful responses.   Join us for a conversation with Wagner as she shares insights from her diverse career path, discusses Elgin Community College's award-winning financial literacy program, and explores the evolving role of community colleges in meeting the needs of both traditional students and adult learners.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Claire Knapp is the vice president of finance and administration, chief business officer and treasurer at Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana. In this episode, Knapp joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about his unique career journey from public accounting to higher education, navigating financial challenges in a post-pandemic environment, and the importance of collaboration and relationships in his role.   "If you're stepping into the CBO role, you have to have a strategic mindset. I think it's important to be thinking strategy and also to be able to think strategy with not only the group that you may be working with, but thinking strategically with the cabinet, thinking strategically with the board, bringing strategic ideas," Knapp says. He emphasizes the significance of strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data effectively. "Relationships are really critical. I view myself as an investor for the university. So when departments or other of our colleagues come and ask them when to spend money, for me, it's an investment. So it's working together with them."   Join us for a conversation with Knapp as he discusses the evolving role of a CBO, critical skill sets for aspiring leaders in higher education finance, and the value of mentorship in professional growth.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief

Lori Seager is vice president for finance and chief financial officer at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In this episode, Seager joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her unique career path, the value of a liberal arts education, and the evolving role of a CBO.   "I think if a person cultivates that relationship, especially with their supervisor and asks for opportunities to be involved in new projects and learn new things, I think that's a really valuable experience for a person who aspires to a CBO role," Seager says. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and actively seeking out growth opportunities. "I think it's the work that I do in my daily job. But I have always valued and made it a priority to be involved in networking and professional development," Seager goes on to say, highlighting how continuous learning and building connections have been key to her development as a leader.   Join us for a conversation with Seager as she shares insights on the challenges and rewards of working in higher education, the importance of adaptability and communication skills for CBOs, and her optimistic outlook on the future of liberal arts colleges.   Links Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations NACUBO in Brief