CBO Speaks
Business & Finance
About
CBO Speaks from NACUBO showcases our most seasoned CBO colleagues from top institutions around the country as they share stories of their journey as business officers. Their experiences inspire us and show us what's possible in our own work.
Episodes
- I Can Do Hard Things: Resilience, Leadership, and the Long Game with New England College of Optometry CBO Rich Kelley
Rich Kelley, CBO at New England College of Optometry, joins host Melissa Farley to discuss transparent accountability, financial planning challenges for higher education, and the value of mentorship. Kelley also shares how endurance athlet…
- Relationships Are the Strategy: Building Career and Institution with Vassar College CBO Bryan Swarthout
Bryan Swarthout of Vassar College discusses his transition from corporate finance to higher education, the importance of relationships in leadership, and managing an institutional portfolio. He also touches on leveraging AI and mentoring f…
- Beyond the Balance Sheet: Creating Trust-Based Leadership with Oregon State University CBO Carla Hoʻā
Carla Hoʻā, CBO at Oregon State University, discusses building organizational resilience and transforming higher education through relationship-centered leadership. She emphasizes the evolving role of CBOs from transactional to strategic l…
- The Office of 'Let's Figure It Out': Transforming Financial Leadership with Wofford College CBO Chris Gardner
Chris Gardner, CFO at Wofford College, discusses the evolving role of higher education CFOs, relationship-focused management, and navigating institutional identity. He emphasizes partnership and creative problem-solving in financial leader…
- Students First, Always: A Leadership Journey with Lafayette College CBO Audra Kahr
Audra Kahr, EVP at Lafayette College, discusses her career transition from accounting to higher education leadership. She shares insights on team building, adapting to changes in higher education, and maintaining a student-centered approac…
- The Heart of Higher Ed Finance: Building Trust-Based Teams with Brooklyn College CBO Alan Gilbert
Alan Gilbert, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration at Brooklyn College, discusses leading through transformative periods and fostering trust-based organizational cultures. He also touches on adapting higher education to evolv…
- The Modern CBO: Expanding Beyond Finance with Forsyth Technical Community College CBO Kizzy Lea
Kizzy Lea, CBO at Forsyth Technical Community College, discusses how the role of a CBO is expanding beyond finance to include operational innovation and student-centered institutional impact. She shares insights on implementing AI in commu…
- Data Meets Mission: Transforming Higher Ed Finance with Xavier University CBO Kevan Buck
Kevan Buck, CFO of Xavier University, joins host Melissa Farley to discuss transforming higher education finance. He shares insights on mission-driven leadership, innovation, and creating meaningful student experiences, emphasizing the imp…
- Passing the Mic: Meet Melissa Farley
Donna Schiele introduces Melissa Farley as the new host of CBO Speaks. Farley discusses her vision for the upcoming season, which will focus on the human aspects of higher education leadership.
- Strategic Storytelling in Finance: University of Puget Sound CBO Kimberly Kvaal on Communicating Complex Change
Kimberly Kvaal, CBO of the University of Puget Sound, discusses finding purpose in higher education leadership, the power of mentorship, and innovative approaches to financial sustainability. She shares insights on managing an operating bu…
- Growth and Strategic Scale: Texas A&M University CBO John Crawford on Stewarding Financial Success
John Crawford, VP for Finance and CFO at Texas A&M University, discusses stewarding financial success, managing a $2.5 billion budget during a tuition freeze, and navigating higher education finance. He shares insights on centralizing fina…
- Mission-Driven Management: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee CBO Robin Van Harpen on Leading Through Change
Robin Van Harpen, Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, discusses her transition to CFO leadership, financial challenges, and fostering talent. She also covers UWM's mission…
- Data-Driven Turnaround: Transforming Institutional Finance with Northern Kentucky University CBO Christopher Calvert
Christopher Calvert, CBO of Northern Kentucky University, discusses his career progression from private sector finance to higher education leadership. He shares insights on implementing data-driven financial strategies, transforming instit…
- Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Today's Chief Business Officers
This episode, a crossover between CBO Speaks and NACUBO in Brief, discusses findings from the National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers. The conversation covers CBO career paths, responsibilities, and future leadership d…
- The Power of Curiosity and Transparency: Leadership Lessons from University of Rhode Island CBO Abby Benson
Abby Benson, Vice President for Administration and Finance at the University of Rhode Island, shares insights on leadership, emphasizing curiosity and transparency, and discusses challenges and opportunities in higher education. She also o…
- Beyond the Job Description: Seizing Opportunities with Great Falls College MSU CBO Carmen Roberts
Carmen Roberts, Executive Director of Operations at Great Falls College MSU, shares insights on navigating leadership, completing facilities projects, and supporting students and staff. She emphasizes the importance of embracing new challe…
- Reframing Financial Conversations: Kalamazoo Valley Community College CBO Brian Lueth on Resource Allocation and Student Impact
Brian Lueth, CBO at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, discusses reframing financial conversations in higher education. He emphasizes effective communication, resource allocation, and maintaining student affordability and access.
- Transparency Transforms: Effective Communication with Lake-Sumter State CBO Michelle Matis
Michelle Matis of Lake-Sumter State College joins the podcast to discuss her career in higher education finance. She emphasizes the importance of transparent and consistent communication, and educating staff on college finances, funding, a…
- Beyond the Balance Sheet: Kentucky Community and Technical College System CBO Todd Kilburn on Student-Centered Financial Leadership
Todd Kilburn, CFO at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), discusses navigating institutional transitions, balancing financial leadership with student success, and the evolving responsibilities of modern chief busine…
- Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone: Belmont University CBO Harry Allen's Advice for Growth
In this episode, Harry Allen, CFO at Belmont University, discusses his career shift from banking to higher education, emphasizing the significance of relationships and service in leadership. He offers insights into the future of finance in…
- Listening and Leading: Elgin Community College's CBO Kimberly Wagner
Kimberly Wagner, VP of business and finance at Elgin Community College, shares insights from her career, discusses team empowerment, and explores the evolving role of community colleges. She emphasizes the importance of listening and thoug…
- Strategic Thinking, Analytics, and Relationships: Insights from Manchester University CBO Claire Knapp
Claire Knapp, CBO at Manchester University, shares insights on her career path from public accounting to higher education. She discusses navigating financial challenges post-pandemic and emphasizes the importance of strategy, analytics, an…
- Mentorship Matters: Insights on Career Growth from Colorado College CBO Lori Seager
Lori Seager, CFO at Colorado College, discusses her career path and the evolving role of a CBO. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, professional development, and continuous learning for aspiring CBOs.
- Leading With Intention: Leadership Lessons From Sam Houston State University CBO Amanda Withers
Amanda Withers, CFO and SVP for Operations at Sam Houston State University, joins the host to discuss her career path, the importance of leadership and mentorship, and the future of the CBO role in higher education. She emphasizes the need…
- Embracing Change Fearlessly with University of North Texas CBO Clayton Gibson
Clayton Gibson, Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO at the University of North Texas, discusses his career trajectory, including his transition from the corporate sector to higher education. He emphasizes the importance o…
- Keeping Students Central: University of Arkansas CBO Ann Bordelon on Investing in People
Ann Bordelon, Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of Arkansas, discusses her career journey, the importance of mentorship, and leading through change in higher education. She shares insights on transi…
- Minding the Data: South Florida State College CBO Peter Elliott on Telling Stories with Numbers
Peter Elliott, VP for administrative services at South Florida State College, discusses his career in higher education, including challenges and the importance of community colleges. He also shares his experience teaching as an adjunct and…
- Managing Risks and Getting to "Yes": UW-Madison CBO Rob Cramer's Insights
Rob Cramer, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, discusses his journey from state government to higher education leadership. He shares insights on managing risks, fostering student success,…
- Developing Leaders of Tomorrow: CSUSB CBO Samuel Sudhakar on Grooming Successors
Samuel Sudhakar, CFO at California State University, San Bernardino, discusses his career journey, the importance of developing leaders, and how higher education needs to adapt. He also talks about supporting student success, advancing div…
- Mentorship That Transforms: Advice from PASSHE's CFO Molly Mercer
Molly Mercer, CFO at PASSHE, discusses her career in higher education finance and the importance of mentorship. She highlights the value of formal mentorship programs and shared governance in leadership development.
- Shared Governance: An Opportunity, Not an Obstacle — DePauw University CBO Andrea Young
Andrea Young, DePauw University's Vice President for Finance and Administration, shares her perspective on shared governance as an opportunity for collaboration and sustainable change, rather than an obstacle.
- A Bright Future with Change Driving Innovation: University of Kansas CBO Jeffrey DeWitt
Jeffrey DeWitt, CBO of the University of Kansas, shares his optimism for the future of higher education, highlighting its role as an economic engine through innovation and research. He also touches on strategic alignment and shared governa…
- Investing in Student Success: Loyola University Maryland CBO John Coppola on Meeting Evolving Needs
Loyola University Maryland CBO John Coppola shares insights on higher education, including mentorship, investing in student success initiatives, and the benefits of professional associations like NACUBO and EACUBO for networking and learni…
- Navigating the CBO Career Path: Michigan State CBO Lisa Frace
Lisa Frace, CFO at Michigan State University, shares her career journey, lessons learned, and insights on higher education finance, including the role of mentorship and innovation.
- Curiosity Over Ego: UC Irvine CBO Mary Lou Ortiz Talks Learning on the Job
In this episode of CBO Speaks, UC Irvine's Chief Financial Officer Mary Lou Ortiz shares insights on learning on the job, the value of mentorship, and leading through change. Ortiz highlights the importance of curiosity and not being afrai…
- The Power of Partnerships: Texas Tech CBO Noel Sloan on Collaboration
Noel Sloan, CFO of Texas Tech, shares insights on her career journey in higher education, the significance of mentorship, and building collaborative relationships with peers. She also details her approach to creating a positive campus envi…
- From 'No' to 'How': UNLV's CBO Jean Vock on Transforming Campus Perceptions
In this episode of CBO Speaks, UNLV's Chief Financial Officer Jean Vock discusses her approach to transforming perceptions of the CFO office by prioritizing understanding user goals over rules. She also touches upon her career journey, men…
- Leveling Up in Leadership: Career Growth Tips from Morehouse College's CBO Undria Stalling
In this episode, Undria Stalling, CBO of Morehouse College, shares insights on her career journey, empowering her team through mentorship and growth opportunities. She also highlights the significance of HBCUs and the financial sustainabil…
- From Self-Doubt to the C-Suite: The Unconventional Path of Abilene Christian's CFO Lori Herrick
Lori Herrick, the first female CFO at Abilene Christian University, discusses her path to the C-suite, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her commitment to building up her team through mentorship and succession planning.
- From Data to Decision-Making: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Higher Education with Lucien Costley
Lucien Costley shares his unconventional journey to becoming Vice President for Planning and Finance at Schreiner University, highlighting the role of data visualization and mentorship. He also addresses the evolving higher education lands…
- NACUBO's New Podcast • Career Conversations
NACUBO is launching a new podcast called Career Conversations on September 8th. The podcast will air biweekly and provide insights and advice for business professionals new to higher education.
- Bonus Episode 2023: Business Officers Share Their Favorite Resources in Our Resource Corner
This special bonus episode of CBO Speaks features Chief Business Officers discussing their go-to resources, following a season of exploring important topics.
- Bonus Episode 2023: Business Officers Share Their Thoughts on Creative Solutions
This special bonus episode of CBO Speaks features Chief Business Officers discussing creative solutions. The CBOs share their thoughts on important topics, drawing from interviews conducted throughout the season.
- Bonus Episode 2023: Business Officers Share Their Thoughts on Collaboration
In this bonus episode of CBO Speaks, business officers discuss the important topic of collaboration.
- Bonus Episode 2023: Business Officers Share Their Thoughts on Student Success
This bonus episode of CBO Speaks features Business Officers discussing student success. They share their thoughts on this important topic, drawing from insights gathered throughout the season.
- Bonus Episode 2023: Business Officers Share Their Thoughts on Governance
In this bonus episode of CBO Speaks, Business Officers share their perspectives on governance, discussing important topics featured throughout the season.
- Bonus Episode 2023: Business Officers Share Their Thoughts on Analytics
This bonus episode of CBO Speaks features Chief Business Officers discussing their perspectives on analytics, drawing from themes explored during the season.
- Bonus Episode 2023: Business Officers Share Their Thoughts on Advocacy
This bonus episode of CBO Speaks features Business Officers discussing the important topic of advocacy.
- Bonus Episode 2023: Business Officers Share Their Thoughts on DEI
This bonus episode of CBO Speaks features insights from recent interviewees on putting action towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Business Officers share their thoughts on how to implement DEI initiatives effectively.
- Flexibility and Collaboration with Tarleton State University CBO Lori Beaty
Lori Beaty, CBO at Tarleton State University, shares insights on transitioning from grant accounting, embracing lifelong learning, and the crucial role of flexibility and collaboration in her executive position. She emphasizes the value of…