See a full list of the 2024 recipients. Stay tuned throughout the summer for additional profiles.
Title: Chief Financial Officer
School: Cheshire Academy
Superpower: Fresh perspective: Matthew Piechota stepped into the role of CFO at Cheshire Academy following his predecessor’s 30+ year tenure. From the start, Piechota led a comprehensive modernization of the business office, introducing advanced systems for payroll and credit card tracking that significantly enhanced efficiency. He also designed and executed a tuition reset strategy, leading to a significant influx of day students and the largest 9th-grade class in over 20 years.
Guiding force: Piechota offered invaluable insights when Interim Head of School Julie Anderson assumed her role. “Becoming interim head of school with limited financial knowledge was daunting, but Matt became my patient and humorous guide. He demystified complex concepts, fostering a true partnership that benefited the entire school,” said Anderson.
Benefits boon: Piechota introduced Cheshire Academy to a consortium of independent schools forming a multi-employer 403(b) plan (MEP). This innovative initiative reduced costs while ensuring fiduciary responsibility to plan participants. Piechota was elected officer of the MEP's governing committee twice by his peers, a testament to his leadership within the group.
Other Duties as Assigned: As a volunteer member of the weekend residential team, Piechota fulfills various roles, such as managing the gym and driving boarding students to the airport ahead of school breaks. He’s also known to step in as a substitute teacher and chaperone off-campus trips when needed. “He's a familiar face at concerts, games and across campus. He's not there for applause, but for the students, faculty and the institution he cares deeply about,” said Anderson.
