Widener University announces that Heather L. Meier, a Philadelphia-area financial professional and licensed certified public accountant with more than 15 years of experience in higher education, will join the university’s leadership team as vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer.

Meier comes to Widener from Gwynedd Mercy University, where she has served in a similar financial leadership role since 2022.

In her new position at Widener, Meier will oversee the finances, financial planning, budgeting, contracts, human resources and facilities for the university and its seven colleges and schools, located in Chester and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware.

She will work to ensure financial sustainability, optimize the university’s resources and their allocation, and drive strategic financial initiatives that support Widener’s mission and long-term goals.

She will be part of the core leadership team that reports to Widener President Stacey Robertson.

“I am honored and thrilled to accept this position and join the Widener community,” Meier said. “Widener University has a remarkable legacy in the Philadelphia region, with a distinguished history of evolving to meet the needs of generations of students. Its commitment to providing an exceptional education that prepares students for successful lives and careers is truly inspiring. I am privileged to contribute to the university’s continued success and be part of shaping its next chapter.”

Prior to her time at Gwynedd Mercy University, Meier served as controller and acting vice president for finance at Montgomery County Community College for more than six years. She also has held finance leadership roles at other local universities including La Salle, Jefferson and Villanova.

“We are so excited to welcome Heather Meier to Widener,” Robertson said. “Her impressive financial background – with so much of it steeped in higher education – coupled with her warm personality and keen support for our culture of belonging made her a fantastic choice for this critical position. Heather has a very collaborative spirit which makes her well-suited for the many partnerships she’ll be developing as her work touches every corner of Widener’s operations.”

Meier began her career in public accounting auditing for nonprofits and social service organizations. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University, two bachelors of arts degrees in business administration and economics, with a minor in accounting, from McDaniel College.

Meier resides in Blue Bell with her husband, Joe, and two children, Ben, 8, and Annaliese, 5, and goldendoodle, Scout. She will begin her position at Widener on Jan. 14, 2025.

Widener University is a private institution known for its commitment to the personal and professional success of every student, where academic experiences are distinguished by excellence and students develop the leadership qualities employers seek.

Core values of respect, integrity and excellence are reflected in an outstanding student experience provided through an agile, innovative and inclusive approach to learning. Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks.

Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders and globally engaged citizens.

Find out more about Widener University.