Strategic Turnaround: A CFO’s Role in Rebuilding Culture and Financial Leadership

The Client

Our client is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools. Founded in 1994, the organization had grown from two teachers in a single classroom to 162 schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia at the time of the search.

The culture emphasized the mantra “work hard, be nice,” with a focus on execution rigor, crisp and effective communication, and high-quality data and insight. The team was committed, mission-driven, and continuously striving for improvement.

The Challenge

The organization was at a critical inflection point, seeking a CFO to lead financial strategy and operations during a major transformation. Collaboration across teams was limited, and stronger cohesion was essential.

Reporting to the COO and serving on the executive team and operating committee, the CFO needed to bring technical excellence, strategic thinking, and the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

The role included oversight of finance, administration, and facilities; management of three direct reports; and leadership of a 15-person team. Key requirements included experience in nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, federal grant compliance, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. The ideal candidate would possess strong leadership, operational acumen, critical thinking skills, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities.

The Solution

Recognizing the need for a transformational, execution-focused financial leader, we set out to identify and recruit a CFO who could manage and mentor a team in transition while also advancing big-picture strategy.

Although the organization was relatively young, we prioritized candidates with the maturity and gravitas to gain immediate respect. Cultural fit was also critical, and we excluded candidates from nonprofits that lacked the rigor and professionalism our client valued.

The selected candidate needed to balance technical expertise with management strength, strategic insight, and the judgment to navigate complexity and change.

The Results

Our client aimed to hire a CFO who would remain for four to five years. We placed an exceptional candidate who stayed for seven and made a lasting impact.

During the search, the COO became President, elevating the importance of the hire. The selected CFO brought extensive experience leading finance, grants, HR, IT, and operations at a comparable mission-driven organization.

His prior roles included leadership at graduate schools and a California-based community organization, providing a strong foundation in both nonprofit finance and executive leadership. He quickly earned the trust of senior leadership and staff, significantly advancing the organization’s operational effectiveness and strategic goals.

The Impact

Our candidate quickly gained the respect of both senior leadership and his team. Over his tenure, he made significant and lasting contributions to financial operations, team alignment, and strategic growth, helping the organization advance its mission with renewed focus and confidence.