Saint Xavier University has revealed a permanent hire for the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Vice President (VP): Robert Fisher, who has been working for Saint Xavier University as the interim CFO.
President Wiseman, in an email statement email described the process of discussing with Fisher whether he has interest remaining with the university on a permanent basis.
“Mr. Fisher has now accepted that offer and will continue in a permanent capacity, persuaded to do so by our mission and the impact Saint Xavier has on the students we educate,” said Wiseman in the statement.
With the positions filled by Fisher, the university opens up a new chapter for the office of the CFO.
Fisher described his decision to join the Saint Xavier Community as being motivated by the university’s mission.
“I became a true believer in its [Saint Xavier University’s] mission and the positive impact Saint Xavier has on the students it educates. On top of that, I have great respect for [President Wiseman] and her entire team and believe together we will make a difference,” said Fisher.
Before joining Saint Xavier University on an interim basis as CFO in May of 2014, Fisher worked in the past as VP and CFO of the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.
Fisher also has held positions with Ford Motor Company, Zenith, Woodhead Industries Inc., and Rockwell International Inc., and U.S. Robotics.
Fisher also has an extensive education with a Bachelor’s of science in Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in addition to a Masters of Business and Administration in Finance from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.
Fisher has expressed a desire to hit the ground, running as now permanent CFO at Saint Xavier University, by working with the banking community to negotiate a new financing package for the University.
“I will strive to make all aspects of the Business and Finance office much more transparent to its “customers” and to work on strengthening the financial base of the university,” said Fisher in regards to what he wishes to bring to Saint Xavier University as CFO & VP.
There also is some degree of adjusting still to be had by Fisher as he acclimates to his position at Saint Xavier University.
Fisher expressed his desire to be patient as he learns the inner workings of a higher education institution before making more grandiose suggestions or plans for the institution.
“My group has already started to make some changes to basic business practices that we believe will improve the efficiency of the university’s operations and finances, and I have a lot of other ideas,” said Fisher in regards to future plans for Saint Xavier.
Fisher’s guidance will be critically important as Saint Xavier University begins a new chapter in Gilbert, Arizona, where a new satellite campus will be built.
The email announcing Fisher’s appointment also pointed out his role in strategy implementation in regards to Gilbert, Arizona.
Gilbert, Arizona will soon be the home to a new campus of Saint Xavier University and will require a degree of financial work and committment.
With a permanent CFO Saint Xavier University will be able to focus on its fiscal agenda more clearly.
Fisher’s appointment will bring a new voice to the guidance of the university’s financial pursuits and certainly will bring new life to the office of CFO.
If you happen to see the new CFO Fisher in his office in the Warde Academic Center in room A106B, or around campus be sure to welcome him to the Saint Xavier University community.
Though many on campus may already be familiar with VP and CFO Fisher from his public outings with the university speaking at town hall meetings.
For more information on new hires, and continued work by the office of CFO, continue to check the Xavierite for more information.
Jake Alleruzzo
Senior News Editor