Jeff Spear

Founder, Practice Leader

Jeff Spear is a seasoned higher education executive with 25 years of experience in private higher ed leadership, including CFO assignments at Houghton College (NY), Mount Vernon Nazarene University (OH) and Southeastern University (FL)

Jeff has also served as a finance specialist on visitation teams for the Middle States Accreditation Association and taken on various roles for NACUBO and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Commission on CFOs. Prior to academia, Jeff was co-owner of an Eastman Kodak spinoff, CFO of a public company and Controller of an investment banking firm—a diverse background responsible for the unique perspective he brings to the challenges facing higher education today.

A frequent presenter on financial modeling and quantitative analysis at higher educational conferences, Jeff recognized that many of concepts he once used to account for activity in the manufacturing world could be transformational when applied to schools. Beginning with a handful of pioneering clients, Jeff launched CFO Colleague in 2013. Today, the practice has grown to include engagements at more than 170 institutions. Jeff’s work on various interim leadership engagements keeps him current on the most pressing issues confronting higher education.

Outside the office, Jeff has served on numerous nonprofit and community development committees and councils, including service as treasurer and a program volunteer for the Winter Sanctuary, a shelter for homeless persons in his previous home of Mount Vernon, Ohio. He currently lives in Auburndale, Florida and shares eight precious grandchildren with his wife Janine.

 

Connect with Jeff

(740) 507–9180

LinkedIn

Interim Leadership

Addressing the challenges before the new CFO arrives.

Learn More >