Saint Viator VP of Finance Named Chicago CFO of the Year
Karen Koch wears many hats at Saint Viator High School. As Vice President of Finance and CFO, she not only is responsible for the annual budget and strategic planning, but she also serves as human resources officer, prepares financial statements for the board of trustees, maintains banking and investment relationships, and oversees the tuition assistance program.
Now, she adds another feather to her cap: Chicago CFO of the Year.
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Now, she adds another feather to her cap: Chicago CFO of the Year.
In a star-studded gala held Tuesday night at the Marriott Michigan Mile in Chicago, Koch was recognized as Chicago CFO of the Year among midsize nonprofit organizations. The Chicago Chapter of the Financial Executives International Association hosted the awards dinner.
“Karen has been the heartbeat of Saint Viator since she started four years ago,” said President Ryan Aiello, who attended the dinner with members of the Board of Trustees. “We are so blessed to have her on our team. She has helped shepherd our school through some difficult times during the pandemic, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than her.”
Fr. Thomas von Behren, C.S.V., is a former president of Saint Viator and a current member of the school’s Board of Governors. Last spring, he worked closely with Koch in his interim role as Chief Executive Officer of the school.
Although Fr. von Behren could not attend the dinner, he was delighted to hear she had earned this recognition among her peers.
“In working with Karen last spring, I quickly experienced how she consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in her role as Chief Financial Officer, exhibiting a rare combination of strategic vision, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of financial operations,” Fr. von Behren said. “I believe that her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, anticipate budget/cost trends, and make informed decisions has been instrumental in driving the success of Saint Viator High School and the school’s sustainability for years to come.”
The Financial Executives International Association is the leading advocate for the views of corporate fiscal management. Its 9,000 members hold policy-making positions as chief financial officers, chief accounting officers, controllers, and treasurers at companies from every major industry.
The Chicago Chapter has 300 members representing corporations and nonprofits of all sizes. Members have access to educational opportunities and networking events, but its biggest event of the year is the Chicago CFO of the Year Awards.
Saint Viator High School
Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
