GWYNEDD VALLEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gwynedd Mercy University has named Heather L. Meier, CPA as its next Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer. James Trusdell, MBA who has held the Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO role since March 2020 will transition to a newly created Chief Operations Officer (COO) role at the University. Both will assume their new roles on November 9.
Meier brings many years of experience as a financial leader in higher education to the position. She comes to GMercyU from Georgian Court University, where she holds the same role. Prior to her time at GCU, Meier served as Controller and Acting Vice President for Finance at Montgomery County Community College for more than six years. She also has held finance roles at other local universities, including La Salle University, Jefferson University (formerly PhilaU) and Villanova University.
“We are delighted to have such an experienced financial leader join our Gwynedd Mercy University leadership team at a time of significant change and opportunity,” said University President Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD. “Heather’s strategic financial planning knowledge and expertise will be invaluable as we pursue a number of exciting initiatives outlined in the University’s Strategic Plan, including the construction of the Frances M. Maguire Healthcare Innovation Campus and other campus improvements, the addition of new academic programs, and the launch of a Comprehensive Campaign in connection with the University’s 75th Anniversary. I am confident that she and Jim Trusdell, along with the other members of the leadership team, will position the University for the future.”
Meier, who earned her bachelor’s degree from a private college in Maryland, similar in size to GMercyU, looks forward to working at her hometown University. “I am especially drawn to Gwynedd Mercy University’s Mission and Core Values, and I can’t think of a better time to join the GMercyU community,” said Meier. “I am excited to take the lead in the strategic financial planning and analysis that will support the University as it begins the next 75 years of its history.”
D’Emilio made the decision to split the role of VP for Finance and Administration and CFO into two positions in July based on the changing needs of the University, which has embarked on a number of significant initiatives in recent years to achieve its vision of becoming the Catholic University leader in professional and healthcare education.
Meier will oversee financial planning and performance, including all accounting functions, forecasting, risk assessment and management, payroll and auxiliary services. Trusdell will focus his attention on business operations, including the multiple planned campus improvement and construction projects in alignment with a newly completed facilities master plan and the finalization of the sale of 15 acres of campus to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He also will oversee the University’s Human Resources, Plant Services and Information Technology departments.
Meier earned her Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from Villanova University, and her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Economics, with a minor in Accounting from McDaniel College. She is a Certified Public Accountant.
Gwynedd Mercy University prepares students to become top professionals in the fields of nursing and other health professions, education, business, and the arts and sciences. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1948, Gwynedd Mercy University is a co-educational institution offering more than 40 bachelor’s, master’s, and associate degree programs as well as two doctoral programs on a full- and part-time basis. The University’s campus is situated on 160 private acres on Sumneytown Pike between routes 309 and 202 in Gwynedd Valley, Montgomery County. The university also offers online and accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs for working professionals and career-changers. Learn more at gmercyu.edu, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
