MICHAEL M. WILLIS
Mechanicsburg,PA
Summary
To serve as a state-appointed Chief Recovery Officer (CRO) under PA Act 141, leveraging four decades of public and higher education fiscal leadership to design, implement, and administer comprehensive financial recovery plans that stabilize school districts, optimize operations, and restore structural solvency.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CENTRAL PENN COLLEGE
Summerdale, Pennsylvania
06.2025 - Current
- Command enterprise-wide financial strategy, cash flow optimization, endowment monitoring, and strict fiscal compliance for the college.
- Architect multi-year institutional recovery roadmaps to preserve liquidity, manage tight debt covenants, and align resource allocation with strategic enrollment initiatives.
- Oversee all financial reporting structures, independent annual audits, regional accreditation financial metrics, and corporate tax compliance.
- Provide direct strategic counsel to the Board of Directors on risk management, corporate investments, and the optimal monetization of real estate portfolios.
- Developed and implemented financial strategies to support institutional goals.
- Oversaw budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
- Developed and implemented financial strategies to enhance institutional sustainability.
- Oversaw budget development and monitoring to ensure fiscal accountability.
Chief Fiscal Officer (CFO)
CUMBERLAND VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
01.2005 - 01.2025
- Delivered executive financial oversight and administrative command for a large PA public school district serving 10,300 students across 13 campus facilities.
- Formulated, executed, and monitored a $205 million annual operating budget, successfully eliminating structural deficits while protecting instructional integrity.
- Orchestrated complex capital financing initiatives, executing bond issuances and managing debt service schedules totaling over $500 million in borrowing.
- Spearheaded high-stakes collective bargaining agreement negotiations, structured self-funded health insurance programs, and led property acquisitions.
- Commanded a broad operational matrix including financial business operations, facilities, transportation, safety/security, and food services.
- Managed budgetary allocations and financial reporting processes to ensure compliance with district policies.
- Analyzed fiscal data to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making for resource allocation.
Director of Support Services
CUMBERLAND VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
01.1995 - 01.2005
- Supervised facility asset upkeep and technology infrastructure for 12 campus properties totaling 1.3 million square feet and serving 7,300 students.
- Administered a $5 million facilities budget and a $2 million technology budget.
- Directed construction administration for $80 million in completed initiatives and designed a $70 million high school renovation project.
- Restructured the department to maximize efficiency and implemented a computerized facilities management system.
Director of Buildings and Grounds Services
WARREN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Warren, Pennsylvania
01.1991 - 01.1995
- Developed and executed the complete operational framework for 23 facilities across an 850-square-mile school district.
- Managed a $4.5 million facilities budget and a $1 million annual capital project improvement fund.
- Coordinated architectural, engineering, and construction services for the district's $9.5 million capital project.
Regional Manager / Facilities Manager
PRIVATE CONTRACT SERVICES MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY
Mid-Atlantic Region
01.1991 - 1995
- Advanced to regional leadership, overseeing facilities contracts, logistics, personnel, and operational metrics for 16 separate healthcare and educational sites.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management and Marketing
CLARION UNIVERSITY
Clarion, PennsylvaniaSkills
- Operations
- Staff training and development
- Strategic planning
- Staff management
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
- Act 141 Turnaround Capability: Expert in Pennsylvania public school finance, positioned to collaborate productively with local school boards, advisory committees, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
- Macro Fiscal Stewardship: Over 20 consecutive years of concurrent experience serving as Chief Financial/Fiscal Officer with direct accountability for operating budgets up to $205 million annually.
- Capital Debt Management: Deep expertise in debt restructuring, municipal bond issuance, and fiscal audits; successfully oversaw the borrowing and stewardship of over $500 million in public capital.
- Comprehensive Operations Management: Direct executive control over multi-tier divisions including business operations, facilities, pupil transportation, land development, procurement, and collective bargaining.
- Professional Alignment: Long-standing active member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO); thoroughly versed in PA School Code compliance and financial recovery protocols.
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CENTRAL PENN COLLEGE
06.2025 - Current
Chief Fiscal Officer (CFO)
CUMBERLAND VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2005 - 01.2025
Director of Support Services
CUMBERLAND VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.1995 - 01.2005
Director of Buildings and Grounds Services
WARREN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.1991 - 01.1995
Regional Manager / Facilities Manager
PRIVATE CONTRACT SERVICES MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY
01.1991 - 1995
Bachelor of Science - Business Management and Marketing
CLARION UNIVERSITY