Heather Meier

Vice President, Administration and Finance/CFO, Widener University

Heather L. Meier is a seasoned financial professional and certified public accountant with over 15 years of experience in higher education administration. She currently serves as the Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Widener University, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the university’s finances, budgeting, financial planning, risk management, legal, contracts, human resources, auxiliaries, facilities and real estate across its campuses in Chester and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware. As a core member of Widener’s leadership team, Meier is dedicated to ensuring the institution’s financial sustainability, optimizing resource allocation, and supporting strategic initiatives to advance Widener’s mission and long-term objectives.

Before joining Widener University, Meier held a similar financial leadership position at Gwynedd Mercy University beginning in 2022. Her extensive career in higher education finance also includes serving as controller and acting vice president for finance at Montgomery County Community College for over six years, as well as holding key finance roles at La Salle University, Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University), and Villanova University. She began her professional journey in public accounting, focusing on audits for nonprofit and social service organizations.

Meier’s academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University, and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in business administration and economics with a minor in accounting from McDaniel College. Known for her collaborative approach and commitment to fostering a culture of belonging, Meier is recognized for her ability to build partnerships and support institutional growth. Her leadership and passion for education continue to make a lasting impact on the higher education community in the Philadelphia region and beyond.