CalArts names chief innovation, financial officer
California Institute of the Arts has named Maeesha Merchant as its new vice president of finance and operations.
Merchant brings 14-plus years of professional experience across public sector, education, nonprofit and financial services to CalArts, according to a statement from the Valencia arts school.
Merchant will serve in a dual role as the institute’s chief financial officer and chief innovation officer. Merchant served in this position on an interim basis during the previous 10 months.
“This is a pivotal time in CalArts history, with record-breaking student enrollment; its 50th anniversary celebration just on the horizon, in 2021; and most importantly, the appointment of a new president after 29 years, who brings with him a new, audacious vision for the organization,” Merchant said.
“Over the past 10 months, I have had the unparalleled opportunity to fill the role of VP of finance and operations. Through this experience, my passion for the institute and what it brings to the world has only strengthened and my mind remains focused on CalArts’ future success.”
Merchant comes to CalArts from Deloitte Consulting, where she spent nearly a decade in strategy and operations, as well as global innovation in sectors including higher education and state government.
Prior to Deloitte, she worked for Oliver Wyman as a financial services management consultant. Merchant is the co-founder and CEO of Andromeda Solutions, an education technology startup.