Chief Financial Officer

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to creating Ways to Age WellSM, Mather develops programs, places, and residences for today’s young at-heart older adults. Mather has received more than 375 awards for innovation, research, design, and culture, including national certification as a Great Place to Work®.

Mather has three areas of service (divisions), including luxury for-profit and not-for-profit wellness-focused communities for older adults; community-based programs serving the 50+ market in under-resourced communities in the Chicagoland area; and Mather Institute, an internationally known translational research institute focused on wellness. Mather currently serves 180,000 older adults and anticipates significantly growing the number of older adults served over the next several years. Mather is a well-capitalized company, having investments approaching $1 billion, and no third party debt.

Focused on redefining aging, Mather embraces research and innovation to enhance wellspan and longevity. The organization’s commitment to wellness is reflected through design, programs, and experiences for customers and team members.

This retained search is led by Korn Ferry’s executive search consultants Jon Sammons and Jhaymee Tynan.  To express interest or nominate a candidate, please contact Korn Ferry at [email protected].

Key Pointers:

Key properties include The Mather in Evanston, Illinois; Splendido at Rancho Vistoso in Tucson, Arizona; Mather Place in Wilmette, Illinois; and a $500 million new development, The Mather in Tysons, Virginia.

Leadership is headed by President and CEO Mary Leary, a nationally recognized executive in the senior living/wellness sectors. The organization’s Possibilities Team (executive team) includes experienced leaders in finance, development/design, people operations, sales and marketing, research, strategic initiatives, and risk management, supported by a diverse board with representatives from companies/organizations including, JLL, Hyatt, Johns Hopkins, and Tribune Publishing.

Mather has earned more than 375 awards for excellence in wellness, architecture, innovation, and team member satisfaction. Its communities are regularly recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek. Mather is also known as a Great Place to Work. With a strong foundation, global vision, and commitment to redefining aging, Mather leads the way in senior living and wellness innovations.

Purpose of the Position

The purpose of this executive financial leadership role at Mather is to drive the organization’s financial vision in alignment with its mission of creating “Ways to Age Well.” Serving as a strategic partner to the President/CEO, Board of Directors, and Possibilities Team, this position plays a pivotal role in shaping both the long-term direction and day to-day execution of Mather’s financial strategies. This includes overseeing Mather’s significant investment portfolio, evaluating the financial implications of strategic decisions, benchmarking against industry standards, and ensuring that Mather continues to grow sustainably across its areas of service: Wellness-Focused Communities for older adults, Community Initiatives, and Mather Institute.

At the heart of this role is a commitment to advancing Mather’s strategic growth initiatives. The individual will lead the financial strategy for new development opportunities and acquisitions/affiliations, cultivate strong relationships with equity partners, financial institutions, and rating agencies. This position will also influence capital planning, financing structures, and debt management to support organizational priorities.

Above all, this position exists to ensure Mather’s financial vitality while advancing its bold, inclusive, and impactful mission to transform the experience of aging.

This is a full-time, salaried position based at Mather’s headquarters in Evanston, Illinois. The role requires regular travel to Mather’s other locations, including Wilmette, IL; Tucson, AZ; and Tysons, VA. Travel may include site visits related to growth, participation in leadership meetings and conferences, and support for strategic initiatives. Flexibility and a willingness to travel, as needed, are essential to ensure strong alignment and collaboration across all Mather locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Vision and Strategy: Partner with CEO/President, Board of Directors, and Possibilities (Executive) Team to shape and drive long- and short-term financial strategies. Evaluate financial impact of strategic initiatives and benchmark performance to industry standards.
• Growth: Collaborate with leadership (CEO/President and SVP, Business Development) to expand Mather’s Areas of Service—Senior Living, Community Initiatives, and Mather Institute. Lead financing for new developments and maintain strong relationships with equity partners and rating agencies.
• Integrity of Financial Reporting & Accounting: Oversee financial audits, operating and capital budgets, forecasts, and tax compliance. Ensure accurate reporting and leverage AI-powered dashboards for data-driven insights.
• Financial Management, Controls & Compliance: Ensure strong internal controls and financial policies. Oversee risk management efforts and support the Board Audit Committee. Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Growth of Investments: Guide investment strategy in partnership with the Board and CEO/ President. Support the Investment Committee, oversee portfolio rebalancing, and evaluate performance of investment managers and consultants.
• Treasury Function: Direct cash flow, debt management, banking relationships, and capital planning. Lead financing strategies including bond offerings and rate management.
• Service Excellence, Quality & Process Improvement: Champion continuous improvement and quality assurance aligned with Mather’s Service Excellence Standards

The Candidate

Qualifications and Skills 

Experience and professional qualifications required for the role.

• Master’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or area relevant to role strongly preferred
• Certified Public Accountant and/or Chartered Financial Analyst a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of experience.
• Experience in luxury hospitality, residential real estate, or senior living desired. Experience with entrance fee senior living communities helpful.
• Passion for serving as a role model in fostering Mather’s core values of being Inclusive, Resilient, Bold, and Impactful.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, growth environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strategic and growth-oriented mindset with experience in helping grow companies, and capability to execute tactical initiatives.
• Experience working with a savvy Board Investment Committee and overseeing investment management consultant and investment managers a plus.
• Proven negotiation skills for optimizing relationships with lenders, equity partners, vendors, rating agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Track record in conducting due diligence and overseeing integration processes for new development and acquisitions.