Debra Blair Named Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer at May Institute

01/29/13

Randolph, Mass. — May Institute has announced the promotion of Debra Blair, M.B.A., CMA, CPA (read bio here), to Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 1, 2013. Ms. Blair becomes the number two senior executive for May Institute’s leadership team, directly reporting to Lauren C. Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP, President and CEO.

“May Institute has opened the door to a new era where there is a renewed emphasis on leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and a team-driven business style,” says Dr. Solotar. “Deb’s long history of high marks in each of these critical areas, as well as extensive track record of success in financial operations, makes her the ideal candidate to help us take the organization to the next level. I couldn’t be more pleased to have someone of her caliber at my side and on my team.”

“Success is the result of a collective effort and a shared commitment to working together and moving forward in the same direction,” said Ms. Blair. “My role is to ensure that the right resources are in place to achieve organizational objectives and goals, add to our successes, and ensure we remain financially sound so we can continue to fulfill our mission and build an even stronger organization.”

Ms. Blair is responsible for the financial stewardship of the organization that includes capital and operating budgeting, financial planning and reporting, debt and treasury management, and information technology systems.

She has 20 years of experience in nonprofit finance and operations, serving educational, healthcare, and human service organizations in various capacities.

Ms. Blair joined May Institute in 1995 as the Business Manager for the organization’s special education school for children and adolescents with brain injury. She later held the position of Budget and Contracts Administrator before being promoted to Director of Finance. In that capacity, she worked closely with the CFO and was responsible for managing corporate revenue systems, financial planning and budgeting processes, financial reporting, analysis, and contract compliance.

She left May Institute in 2006 to become the Vice President of Administration and Finance and the Chief Financial Officer at Riverside Community Care, Inc., in Massachusetts. There, she was responsible for the overall management of that organization’s financial operations, accounting, information technology, central office administration, capital purchasing, and facilities divisions. Ms. Blair returned to May Institute in 2012 as the organization’s Assistant CFO.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Curry College, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Ms. Blair is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Institute of Management Accountants, the Financial Executives Network, and the CFO Alliance.

About May Institute
For nearly 60 years, May Institute has been a leader in providing behavioral healthcare services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness, and behavioral health needs. For more information, please visit www.mayinstitute.org.