CCA launches search for new Chief Financial Officer

San Francisco, CA—August 19, 2021—California College of the Arts (CCA) is launching a search for a new Chief Financial Officer following the announcement that current CFO Ed Prohaska intends to step down in early 2022. The executive search firm Carlson Beck, known for its expertise in the nonprofit sector, will partner with the college to identify CCA’s next CFO. The role provides a unique opportunity to join the college’s leadership team as CCA enters a much-anticipated phase of its ambitious initiative to unify its two campuses on an expanded residential campus in San Francisco’s vibrant Design District.

“This is an exciting time for CCA, and our next CFO will be well positioned for success, thanks to Ed’s good work,” said CCA President Stephen Beal. “Since joining CCA just as the pandemic began, Ed has been an important strategic partner, providing keen insight and valuable counsel that has been crucial to the college’s continued financial stability through a time of immense uncertainty and disruption. He has successfully guided CCA through two challenging budget cycles; overseen a clean financial audit; identified opportunities to garner significant, ongoing savings that will benefit the college well into the future; and reorganized the institution’s Business Services Office to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in the division’s ability to serve the CCA community and our students. Ed has been instrumental in building the stable foundation now in place, which provides an exciting opportunity for our next CFO to join our leadership team as we prepare to begin construction on our new, future-focused campus,” said Beal.

“While it was especially challenging to take on this role in the midst of the pandemic, it’s been an honor to work with CCA’s leadership team and the Business Services Office staff to support the college’s important mission of educating the artists, designers, and architects of the future,” said Prohaska. “I look forward to following the college’s progress as it fulfills its vision for a unified campus in San Francisco.”

“Ed has been a fantastic partner to the Board,” said CCA Board Chair Lorna Meyer Calas. “His focus on CCA’s long-term stability, his deep professionalism and commitment to our mission and values, and the excellent staff he has put in place will all benefit CCA well into the future.”

Prohaska will continue in his role during the search for his replacement.