Director of Finance Wins 2024 NBOA Professional Achievement Award

Winsor’s Director of Finance Elizabeth McNeil received the 2024 NBOA Professional Achievement Award. 

“I have the honor of announcing that not only has she won, but she is one of only 10 independent school business office staff members across the world to receive the 2024 NBOA Professional Achievement Award,” Head of School Sarah Pelmas told faculty, staff, and students at all-school assembly on December 12.

The award presentation was a surprise for Ms. McNeil, whose husband was also there to celebrate the achievement. According to their website, the NBOA Professional Achievement Award recognizes the invaluable contributions made by independent school business, finance and operations staff. These staff members distinguish themselves every day and make exceptional contributions to their schools and the independent school community. The award is given to a member of the business and operations staff who has made significant and lasting contributions to his or her school’s operations or financial health. 

NBOA: Business Leadership for Independent Schools was founded in 1998 as National Business Officers Association (NBOA) with the goal to connect business leaders in educational or religious organizations. Today, NBOA serves hundreds of members outside the U.S. and connects business leaders in independent schools across diverse geographies.

Winsor’s Chief Operating Officer Karen Geromini and Head of School Sarah Pelmas nominated Ms. McNeil for the award. “Working closely with the Winsor Board of Trustees Finance Committee, Liz is integral to shaping the long-term vision and strategy of the school,” said Ms. Geromini. 

Ms. McNeil joined Winsor as controller in 2018 and encountered multiple different systems that didn’t work well together. “We were very paper-oriented in our processes and she quickly brought our operations into the modern era,” said Ms. Geromini. Ms. McNeil was promoted to senior controller within a year and took on the management of the office staff, which includes the staff accountant, senior accountant, and the accounting and bookstore associate. “She knows accounting inside and out, but also understands regulatory compliance issues, benefits costs and distribution, inventory management, tax law, and banking systems,” added Ms. Pelmas. 

Ms. McNeil’s stewardship was crucial to Winsor’s ability to operate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.“Because of her leadership and strong analytical skills, the Winsor business office runs more efficiently and is more cost-effective,” explained Ms. Geromini, “she works with all constituents to ensure that the fiscal health of the institution is secure while prioritizing the human relationships, with colleagues, families, and students.” In 2024, Ms. McNeil was promoted to director of finance.

“What I admire above all is that she always prioritizes the school mission and the students. Her decisions and actions are always taken with the goal of making your lives better. Whether it’s helping employees understand the new systems we have implemented, or working with the investment committee on timely transfers of endowment funds, or keeping an eye out for market disruptions that might affect our business operations, she blends tremendous skill and intellect with a huge heart,” said Ms. Pelmas.

“She is quiet but mighty, doing so much and never taking the credit. Well, today it’s finally time!” she added. 

Congratulations, Ms. McNeil, and thank you for everything you do.