Clarion University Foundation, Inc., welcomed Max Smith as its chief financial officer.
Smith has served in both private and public accounting environments, most recently as external corporate controller for Guardian Elder Care, Brockway.
When a vacancy presented itself, the foundation determined that, with the continued growth of the organization, it was time to seek assistance with the day-to-day operations, not just financial management. The position of chief operating officer/chief financial officer (COO/CFO) was developed to assume this day-to-day operational and administrative services oversight, according to Michael Keefer, foundation CEO.
“Max was the perfect fit for this next step in the development of the foundation, given his professional experiences of varied strong, financial management taken with his extensive exposure to operations,” Keefer said. “Max has jumped in with both feet. He is a great addition to the foundation team.”
“I have a diverse background in many industries with an ability to quickly adapt and dig in,” Smith said. “This promotes a fresh outlook providing ongoing, continuous improvement. During my career, the natural focus in finance has now migrated to more of an operational role.”
In addition to accounting, Smith, who has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from LaRoche
College, has experience in human resources; sales, marketing and business development;
and information technologies.
“My preference is to be part of the leadership of a dynamic environment that positions
itself for continuous growth,” he said. “I feel that the excellent team and strategic
goals of Clarion University Foundation, Inc., provides that preferred fit.”
Smith and his wife, Emily, a 2002 Clarion University graduate, live in Reynoldsville with their sons Max, 9, and Charlie, 7.