, vice president of finance at 91短视频, says he鈥檚 looking toward a bright future for the university that means a great deal to him. Not only is 91短视频 his source of employment, it鈥檚 also his alma mater.
Bert graduated from 91短视频 in 1997 with a degree in accounting, after moving to the area from his hometown of Lancaster, Pa. He worked at a local public accounting firm before relocating to Austin, Texas, in 2000 to complete an MBA at the University of Texas.
He remained in the south, working for in a variety of financial capacities during his eight years with the Texas-based company.
鈥淎 lot of my time there was providing financial support one way, shape or form in the product development area,鈥� Bert explained.
He added that he helped oversee products from 鈥渃oncept to delivery in the marketplace,鈥� as well as providing financial support for companies seeking to invest and grow 鈥� among other duties.
Bert said this time working for a large company was rewarding.
鈥淚 am somebody who really has an appreciation for technology,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always been an interest of mine, so I found that really rewarding, to be close to technology and … the next thing that鈥檚 going to be released.鈥�
But wanting to be closer to family and a sense of pride in his alma mater brought him back to Harrisonburg in 2010. The former vice president of finance was retiring, and the university was seeking a replacement.
contacted Bert, asking if he would be interested in the position. He applied and went through the interview process, and, as Bert says, 鈥渢he rest is history.鈥�
Now in his fourth year, he said he鈥檚 enjoying his job, adding that he鈥檚 鈥渆ncouraged鈥� by 91短视频鈥檚 direction and being a part of the growth of such a valued institution.
鈥淚 get a lot of energy out of thinking … about our strategic plan, how we implement [it], how we prioritize the investments we need to make to help grow some of our programs or launch new programs.鈥�
Bert said he enjoys being back on his old stomping grounds and living in the Harrisonburg area with his wife, Carrie, and their children, Evan, 9, Davis, 7, and Maren, 4.
He recently joined the board of , seeking additional community involvement in an area he鈥檚 found so rewarding.