SARASOTA, July 2, 2020 – The Van Wezel Foundation announces the appointment of Susan McCreary, as its Chief Finance and Administration Officer. McCreary brings more than 20 years of experience in finance and administration leadership from global companies.
In her new role, McCreary will be responsible for leading the organization’s business operations, including financial planning and analysis, accounting functions, Human Resources and IT. She will also serve as a strategic partner and advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors and the executive leadership team as the Foundation looks to build a new performing arts center on The Bay.
“Susan McCreary joins the Foundation at a pivotal time of expansion as we partner with the city of Sarasota to build the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center,” noted Cheryl Mendelson, CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation. “Her breadth of experience and success in building strong teams is an enormous asset as we scale up our operations and strategically plan for growth.”
Before joining the Foundation, McCreary served as Chief Financial Officer of New Century Software (a Mistras Group business), where she led business operations, financial analysis and planning, budgeting and forecasting and insurance and risk management. Her review of business processes resulted in significant annual savings for the company. McCreary also served as Controller at Dresser-Rand Enginuity (a Siemens business), where she was responsible for the financial leadership for a strategic business unit generating $35 million in annual revenue and managing $10 million in capital requests for the company’s Americas division. Furthermore, McCreary brings a wealth of knowledge of construction and business development projects through her positions at Bodycote International. During her 10-year tenure, she provided budgetary control on all capital projects over $5 million for the Canadian materials testing group and financial direction on construction for a new $10 million facility in China.
“I am so pleased for the opportunity to translate my career experience in global public and private companies to the important work of the Van Wezel Foundation as it extends its mission and plans for the future,” commented Susan McCreary. “I look forward to working with the executive team and Board of Directors to make an even greater impact on our community.”
McCreary holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting and International Business from Baylor University. She served as the Founder and President of the Karen Shank Foundation in Ontario, Canada, and as the President/Treasurer of the Mississauga Choral Society.