Derrick Sawyer's 20-year journey in higher education business and finance traces back to an entrepreneurial start at Delaware State University, where he managed a student-run food business and later the campus newspaper's finances. Currently serving as associate vice president of budgets, business services and risk management at Community College of Philadelphia, his path led through key roles at Temple University and Drexel University before landing in his current position.   Sawyer offers unique insights from his experience across diverse institution types, from an HBCU to major research universities and now a community college. His leadership philosophy has evolved from a purely transactional approach to one centered on servant leadership and emotional intelligence. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of calculated risk-taking, continuous learning through professional associations, and the power of strong mentorship relationships.   Most compelling is Sawyer's perspective on higher education leadership: success isn't just about strategy and performance metrics, but about building meaningful connections across all levels of an institution. His commitment to innovation while maintaining student success at the forefront has shaped his approach to fiscal management and operational excellence. The episode offers valuable insights for professionals at any stage of their higher education career, particularly those interested in business operations, finance, and institutional leadership.   Links

• Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!
  • CBO Speaks
  • NACUBO in Brief

As senior director of technical accounting and reporting at Howard University in Washington, DC, Meyroodjy Delva discovered his passion for accounting in high school through a business computer class. Now leading financial operations at his alma mater, Delva shares his journey from Big Four accounting to higher education leadership.   In this episode, Delva discusses his transition from public accounting at KPMG to higher education during COVID-19, and how he built high-performing financial teams at Howard. He shares insights on navigating major institutional challenges including ERP implementation and cybersecurity incidents, while developing his leadership philosophy across different organizational cultures. Delva also reflects on creating a lasting legacy of financial excellence at Howard University.   "What I was looking for is really problem solvers, like really smart people that don't run away from complex problems," says Delva, highlighting his approach to team building. His career insights emphasize embracing challenging opportunities despite setbacks, building strategic networks, adapting leadership style to institutional culture, handling professional feedback constructively, and maintaining focus on continuous process improvement.   Links

• Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!
• • CBO Speaks
  • NACUBO in Brief

Kate Smith, controller at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, brings a wealth of experience in transforming higher education finance through innovative approaches to data and modeling. In this episode, Smith shares her journey from public accounting to higher education, including her work with nonprofits, an 8-year stint at higher ed marketing firm mStoner, and her role as controller at Logan University before joining Maryville's team of 10,000 students.   Smith emphasizes the critical shift happening in higher education finance, moving from traditional historical reporting to forward-thinking financial planning and analysis (FP&A). She discusses how modern financial leaders must focus on predictive modeling and future scenarios to support institutional decision-making effectively. Drawing from her experience implementing financial tools at both small and large institutions, Smith provides practical insights on modernizing financial operations while working within existing constraints.   The conversation explores the vital role of professional networks in higher education, with Smith's own career trajectory serving as a testament to the power of relationship building. She shares her approach to team development, seeking out curious minds who question processes and aren't afraid to take calculated risks. Smith also discusses how finance leaders can support institutional growth while maintaining agility in their operations.   Key Takeaways:

• Financial leaders must shift focus from historical reporting to predictive analysis
• Technology modernization can be approached incrementally based on institutional needs
• Professional networking creates unexpected opportunities throughout your career
• Successful finance teams balance risk-taking with mission-driven decision making

The episode offers valuable insights for both emerging and established higher education finance professionals, highlighting the evolution of the field and the importance of embracing change while maintaining strong financial fundamentals.

In this episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone sits down with Isaiah Behnke, director of student finance at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. Isaiah shares his unique career journey, which he describes as an "improvised jazz session" rather than a scripted symphony, with twists and turns that led him to his current role at UVA. He discusses a pivotal moment of being laid off early in his career, which taught him the importance of embracing discomfort and vulnerability.   Isaiah also explains his leadership philosophy based on three core pillars: imperfection, collective effort, and genuine connection. To stay curious and innovative, Isaiah engages with professional organizations like NACUBO and taps into on-campus resources.   Rather than focusing on leaving a legacy, Isaiah aims to make a meaningful impact in the present by creating a culture where people feel valued, heard, and supported. He draws inspiration from the ancient Greek concepts of "eunoia" (beautiful thinking and goodwill) and "eudaimonia" (flourishing through virtue or purpose) to guide his approach to leadership and problem-solving.   Isaiah's advice for higher education professionals includes embracing imperfection, assuming the best in others, bringing humility and humor to your work, focusing on people rather than just processes and systems, and allowing discomfort and uncertainty to stretch and grow you rather than derail you. Tune in to hear Isaiah Behnke's full story and gain valuable insights on genuine, collective, and imperfect leadership in higher education.   Links

• Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!
• • CBO Speaks
  • NACUBO in Brief

In this insightful Career Conversations episode, host Christine Simone sits down with Adrienne Frank, director of business and fiscal administration at Auburn University's Harbert College of Business in Auburn, Alabama. Adrienne shares her unique journey from the corporate world to higher education, offering valuable advice for those seeking career growth and fulfillment.   Key Takeaways:

• Embrace change and new opportunities to find your passion
• Collaborate and build strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
• Foster a spirit of continuous process improvement
• Promote financial awareness and fiscal responsibility at all levels
• Never stop learning and growing professionally

Adrienne's journey from the corporate world to higher education demonstrates the importance of embracing change and being open to new opportunities. Her experiences highlight the value of collaborating and building strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve common goals.   Throughout the conversation, Adrienne emphasizes the significance of fostering a spirit of continuous process improvement and promoting financial awareness and fiscal responsibility at all levels of an organization. She encourages listeners to trust their instincts and never stop learning and growing professionally.   Adrienne's passion for her work and her commitment to making a positive impact in higher education shine through in this engaging conversation. Her insights and advice serve as valuable lessons for anyone looking to advance their career and make a difference in their organization.   Links

• Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!
• • CBO Speaks
  • NACUBO in Brief

This conversation – a crossover episode between our two other podcasts CBO Speaks and NACUBO in Brief – is important enough that we wanted to release it on this feed as well. Enjoy!   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, CBO Speaks’ 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!
• • CBO Speaks
  • NACUBO in Brief

In this episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone sits down with Bobby Srivastava, chief administrative officer and senior fiscal officer at The Ohio State University College of Engineering in Columbus, Ohio. With a background in K-12 education and over a decade of experience in higher ed, Bobby shares his unique insights on navigating the evolving landscape of university finance and offers valuable advice for those looking to grow their careers in this dynamic field.   Key points and themes:

1. Embracing challenges and opportunities for growth
2. Adapting to the unique language and structure of higher education finance
3. Navigating the evolving landscape of higher ed, including remote work and changing student interests
4. Implementing budget discipline and transparency to achieve strategic goals
5. Building relationships and trust through open communication and feedback
6. Developing leadership skills through continuous learning, networking, and leaning on team expertise
7. Demonstrating value and problem-solving abilities to stand out in career progression

Bobby emphasizes the importance of staying calm, being analytical, and adaptable leadership in the higher education environment. He encourages aspiring leaders to seek mentors, actively listen, and find ways to solve problems for others to distinguish themselves in their careers.   Links

• Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!
• • CBO Speaks
  • NACUBO in Brief

In this episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone sits down with Robbie Campbell Lissade, the director of budget and finance at Rutgers University-Newark in Newark, New Jersey. Campbell Lissade shares her inspiring journey from corporate accounting to higher education, discussing the challenges she faced and the mentors who helped shape her leadership philosophy.   Key Takeaways:

• Finding purpose in higher education
• Leadership lessons from NACUBO's Emerging Leadership Program
• Effective communication across campus ecosystems
• Authentic leadership and the power of mentorship

Throughout the conversation, Campbell Lissade emphasizes the importance of clear communication across different campus ecosystems, ensuring that financial language is consistent and understandable to all stakeholders. She highlights the value of data-driven tools like the funding matrix and data dictionary in making informed decisions and aligning resources with strategic priorities.   Campbell Lissade's leadership philosophy centers on authenticity, embracing mistakes, and continually learning from others. She credits strong female mentors for playing a crucial role in her career growth, providing guidance, support, and opportunities to step outside her comfort zone.   Listeners will appreciate Campbell Lissade's reminder to prioritize self-care, take breaks, and have fun while staying true to their values and the values of their institution. Her passion for her work and commitment to student success shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance in their higher education career.   Links

• Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!
  • CBO Speaks
  • NACUBO in Brief

In this episode, Christine Simone chats with Kelly Broughton, director of operational purchasing and travel at Ohio University's Business Service Center in Athens, Ohio. Broughton shares her unique career journey transitioning from library sciences to higher ed finance and administration.   Broughton discusses how transferable skills such as customer service, process improvement, and research abilities were key to her successful transition. Her PhD in higher education provided a holistic understanding of the industry, which she applies daily. Broughton also shares insights from her dissertation on students' sense of belonging in study spaces and its relevance to space planning.   Broughton’s leadership philosophy centers on mutual respect, assuming positive intent, and focusing on advancing the university's mission. Her advice for career transitions is to examine your motivations and make sure you're moving toward a desired opportunity.   Key Takeaways:

• Leverage transferable skills when changing fields
• Understand student perspectives for effective planning
• Connect your work to educating students for meaning & motivation

In this insightful conversation, Broughton shares valuable advice for anyone considering a career transition within higher education or aiming to make a positive impact in an administrative role. Listen to the full episode to learn more about Broughton’s leadership philosophy, vision for leaving a meaningful legacy, and experiences successfully navigating a major career shift.   Links

• Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!
  • CBO Speaks
  • NACUBO in Brief

Shea Bryant, manager of financial reporting at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, joins host Christine Simone on NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast. Bryant shares insights from his career journey, transitioning from external auditor to higher ed business officer, and discusses the importance of staying connected with GASB expectations and developing crucial skills for professional growth.   Key Takeaways:

• Strong ties to MSU drove Bryant's career decisions
• NACUBO plays a vital role in translating GASB standards for higher ed
• Developing public speaking skills and staying current on accounting standards unlock opportunities
• Leading with trust fosters team creativity and success
• Advice: Give your all each day and ask, "Did I try as hard as I could?"

Bryant's career path, shaped by his connection to MSU, required navigating the transition from external auditor to internal staff. He emphasizes the importance of staying current with GASB expectations, highlighting NACUBO's role in translating these standards for higher ed. Developing public speaking skills and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards have been essential for his professional growth. As a leader, Bryant fosters his team's success by trusting and allowing them independence, aiming to continue MSU's legacy of ethics, transparency, and hard work.   Throughout the conversation, Bryant's passion for his work and dedication to personal and professional growth shine through. His advice to give one's all each day and maintain perspective in the face of challenges serves as an inspiration for professionals in any field. Bryant's insights offer valuable guidance for those navigating transitions, seeking to develop crucial skills, and striving to lead with trust and integrity in the world of higher education finance.   Links

• Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!
• • CBO Speaks
  • NACUBO in Brief