Building Strategic Bridges: Derrick Sawyer
Career Conversations
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...
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Building Financial Excellence: Meyroodjy Delva
Career Conversations
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...
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The Power of Financial Data: Kate Smith
Career Conversations
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...
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Genuine, Collective, Imperfect Leadership: Isaiah Behnke
Career Conversations
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...
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Instincts, Improvement, Inspiration: Adrienne Frank
Career Conversations
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...
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Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Today's Chief Business Officers
Career Conversations
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...
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Leading With a Sense of Service: Bobby Srivastava
Career Conversations
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: Embracing challenges and opportunities for growth Adapting to the...
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Purposeful Leadership: Robbie Campbell Lissade
Career Conversations
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...
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Student-Centric Leadership: Kelly Broughton
Career Conversations
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...
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Ethics Above Everything: Shea Bryant
Career Conversations
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...
info_outline- Career progression from entry-level to leadership through recognizing opportunities
- Value of mentorship from experienced leaders in higher education
- Evolution from focusing on being liked to earning respect as a young leader
- Importance of networking within higher education, particularly with peer institutions
- Leadership philosophy centered on honesty, open communication, and collaboration
- Emphasis on embracing change and continuous process improvement
- Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts!