By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO, and Max Xiong, Senior Associate Registrar, Rochester Institute of Technology, and VP of Finance, AACRAO Board of Directors
Fiscal stewardship is at the heart of every AACRAO initiative, from professional development programs to the Annual Meeting. The AACRAO Finance, Investments, and Audit Committee of the AACRAO Board of Directors plays a vital role in that and is seeking a dedicated AACRAO voting member to serve as its next Member-at-Large. Active voting members are encouraged to apply for this volunteer position. The selected applicant will serve a three-year term from May 2026 to May 2029.
Composed of board members and a member-at-large, the FI&A Committee oversees the integrity of financial reporting, maintains robust financial controls, ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (including IRS Form 990 filings), and evaluates the qualifications and performance of the external auditor.
Leadership and Collaboration
Max Xiong, AACRAO VP for Finance, chairs the FI&A Committee. In his dual role as Secretary and Treasurer of the AACRAO Board, Xiong collaborates closely with the Executive Director, Melanie Gottlieb, to prepare and recommend the annual budget and to provide ongoing financial oversight.
“Fiscal stewardship isn’t just about managing financial resources,” said Xiong. “Serving on the FI&A Committee is an opportunity to put the AACRAO strategic plan into action while advancing the Association’s fiduciary responsibilities.”
Outgoing FI&A Member-At-Large Melissa Manuel, who was selected to the committee in May 2023 from a pool of more than 20 applicants, exemplified the engaged and detail-oriented leadership that AACRAO seeks in this role. Reflecting on her service, Manuel shared:
“As a member of the FI&A Committee, I have gained a deeper understanding of how AACRAO’s financial decisions impact the association and the greater higher education community. AACRAO’s commitment to providing service to the higher education community is demonstrated by the initiatives and creativity taken by the executive teams to ensure longevity and accessibility, and it has been an excellent opportunity to understand nuances that influence AACRAO’s decision-making. As an AACRAO member and an internationally-based member, I have also been able to bring questions and concerns from the community into the financial discussions, which I believe has also contributed to the committee’s overall outlook.”
Manuel found the most fascinating aspect of serving as the Member-at-Large to be understanding the timing differences between income and expenses, and the auditing requirements for nonprofits like AACRAO. “I was fascinated by how public policy affects nonprofit organizations,” she added.
Her greatest reward on the committee was: “Working with an excellent, engaged, and passionate team who are committed to supporting the organization. I learned a lot while feeling that I was contributing meaningful ideas and serving my community.”
Lastly, Manuel credits the experience with expanding her professional development: “I now feel more comfortable when undergoing institutional financial management reviews. This committee allowed me to grow in a new field while connecting with outstanding individuals.” To those who consider applying, “I would highly recommend anyone interested in understanding organizational financial management or serving the AACRAO community in a meaningful way,” she encouraged.
As she concludes her term, AACRAO celebrates her steady guidance in bridging the association’s financial and budgetary priorities with member realities.
Key responsibilities of this three-year volunteer role include:
Reviewing financial reports and annual budgets.
Participating in oversight of investment and audit processes.
Ensuring compliance with financial and legal obligations.
Providing strategic insight into the Association’s fiscal priorities.
Committing 60-90 minutes per month for a virtual meeting, plus roughly 30 minutes of preparation.
Apply to be the FI&A Committee Member-at-Large
Active voting members with experience or interest in budgeting, investment, or organizational finance are encouraged to apply by December 5, 2025. This non-compensated role is an opportunity to help AACRAO continue its legacy of transparency, integrity, and trust that members like Xiong and Manuel exemplify.
Apply today by visiting the Volunteer Opportunities in the AACRAO Exchange. Applications require a login to the AACRAO Exchange. Review the login FAQs if you need assistance.
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