Erich Kirr

About Erich Kirr

Throughout my career, I\'ve always been a problem-solver. Whether in the context of my career as a leader in non-profit organizations, consultant, or engineer, I take complicated matters, identify solutions, and present them in simpler and more approachable terms. I have been the lead finance person at two non-profits (one as CFO, the other as Director of Finance & Operation). These positions provided me with invaluable experience and the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to help advance non-profit organizations. In these positions I was responsible for all financial aspects of the organizations including the annual budgeting process and the annual audits/compliance filings. Most recently I helped my organization exceed its budget by nearly $1M and helped it attain its first ever federal grant that was nearly 19x the size of the largest grant it had previously received. Prior to entering the non-profit world, I spent 15+ years as a consultant in the financial services industry, where I honed my finance/accounting skills as well and gained extensive experience and expertise in developing complex financial models. The majority of that time was focused on the determination of damages in intellectual property litigation matters. Juries, judges and arbitration panels are typically tasked with awarding damages, but determining damages in intellectual property disputes is an extremely difficult undertaking. I led teams that analyzed products, companies and industries and developed complex financial models (typically 30 to 100+ Excel worksheets) to arrive at a damages opinion. I also led the effort of communicating the methodology, reasoning, and ultimate damages opinion in a report to the court and sometimes by testifying in court or at arbitration. These years not only allowed me to advance my finance and accounting skills but also my ability to communicate and explain complex financial matters to individuals who lacked a strong finance background.While proud of my achievements and contributions in the for-profit sector, I realized that my true passions rest in not-for-profit work. With so much need, both locally and worldwide, I feel compelled to do more. I believe my combination of knowledge, skills, and experience are underrepresented in the non-profit world. As such, I have decided to focus on using them to help non-profit organizations and ultimately the people they serve.

Experience

1. Chief of Staff

   Greenwood Project

   Jan 2025 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

Education

• Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Operations, Management & Strategy, Marketing

  1999 — 2001

• Hiram College

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Physics

  1986 — 1989

• Case Western Reserve University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Electrical Engineering

  1989 — 1991

• Northwestern University

  Master of Science - MS, Engineering Management

  1999 — 2001