Eric Norman

About Eric Norman

Transformational financial and operational leader with 20+ years of experience as VP Finance, CFO, and COO across higher education and independent schools. Proven track record of driving institutional growth, financial sustainability, and operational excellence. Expertise in business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, capital planning, and organizational restructuring. Recognized for aligning strategic, financial, and campus master plans to achieve mission‑driven goals.Core Competencies include:• Strategic Business Planning & Change Management• Team Leadership & Organizational Development• Contract Negotiations & Vendor Management• Risk Management & Compliance Oversight• Information Systems & ERP Implementations• Facilities Management & Capital Project Oversight• HR & Benefits Administration• Treasury & Cash Flow Management• Endowment & Investment Oversight• Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Modeling• Benchmarking, KPIs & Performance Analytics• Debt Issuance & Management (25+ bond offerings)• Frequent presenter at national industry forums on topics including mergers, outsourcing, Notable Accomplishments:• Launched and scaled new business ventures: Managed development of a spin‑off investment advisory firm and co‑founded a start‑up with trustees, expanding institutional revenue streams.• Led two successful mergers (UNH Law and Boston Conservatory at Berklee), overseeing due diligence, negotiations, and integration to strengthen academic offerings and financial sustainability.• Secured over $300M in financing through 25+ bond issuances (private placements and municipal offerings), enabling transformational campus expansions and infrastructure upgrades.• Directed major organizational restructuring, including complete outsourcing of finance and HR functions, ERP conversions, and automation of business office operations• Reduced operating expenses by 30% through strategic downsizing and workforce realignment, preserving institutional stability during financial challenges.• Oversaw $100M+ in capital projects, from new academic and residential facilities to renovations and deferred maintenance programs, aligning with long‑term campus master plans.

Experience

1. Vice President of Finance and CFO

   Thomas College

   Dec 2025 — Present · Waterville, ME, US

   Oversee financial and operational aspects of the College, including facilities, auxiliary services, and student financial services.

Education

• Taft School

  High School

• University of Connecticut

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Finance, General

Skills

• Risk Management
• Higher Education
• Strategic Planning
• Non-Profits
• Investments
• Budgeting
• Human Resources
• Auditing
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Teaching
• • Strategic & Operational Planning • Investment Oversight of Endowments/Trusts •
• Program Development
• Management
• Nonprofits
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Managerial Finance
• Microsoft Word
• Budgets
• Fundraising
• Finance
• Public Speaking
• Leadership
• Research
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Accounting
• Due Diligence
• Microsoft Office
• Financial Reporting