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Charlie Faas
VP / CFO - San Jose State University
Professional Background
Charlie Faas is a seasoned financial executive who boasts a remarkable three-decade career enriched with extensive experience across a myriad of industries, including Higher Education, Technology, Sports, Manufacturing, Software, Retail, Non-profits, and Customer Service. His career reflects a profound understanding of financial management, notably through a solid operational perspective. Charlie excels as a strategic leader, self-motivated and results-oriented, always focused on forward-thinking solutions and continuous improvement processes within the organizations he serves. Moreover, his success in establishing organizations and processes from their inception speaks volumes about his capabilities in business development and relationship building.
Currently, Charlie occupies the prestigious role of Vice President of Administration & Finance and CFO at San Jose State University (SJSU). His pivotal responsibilities encompass numerous crucial functions such as budgeting, accounting, maintenance, construction oversight, food and beverage operations, sustainability initiatives, internal controls, and collaboration with the University Police. This multifaceted role exemplifies Charlie's ability to weave together various aspects of university operations, ensuring smooth and efficient financial functioning in a higher education environment.
In a significant past role, Charlie served as the Chief Executive Officer for the US Pavilion at the renowned Expo Milano. Under his leadership, the pavilion showcased the theme "Feed the Planet, Energy for Life"—a unique celebration of food, sustainability, and innovation that highlighted the United States' commitment to global food security and its position as a premier hub for culinary excellence. His contribution was instrumental in promoting the USA's innovative solutions in food technology and sustainability.
Charlie Faas dedicated a decade of his professional journey to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Sharks Sports & Entertainment (SSE). In this role, he collaborated effectively with SSE's board of directors, ensuring compliance with the exacting standards established by the National Hockey League and the City of San Jose. Additionally, he demonstrated his commitment to community engagement by serving on the executive board of the Sharks Foundation.
Alongside the esteemed Jim Goddard, Executive Vice President and General Manager of HP Pavilion, Charlie was a board member of Explosion Entertainment, LLC, a joint venture between SSE and West Coast Productions dedicated to running the Strikeforce Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) franchise. This venture was successfully acquired by Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in March 2011, underscoring Charlie's ability to engage in strategic partnerships and collaborations that create significant value.
For his exemplary performance in financial leadership, Charlie earned the coveted "CFO of the Year" award from the Silicon Valley Business Journal in November 2008, a testament to his impact in private business and his adeptness in crafting sustainable financial strategies.
Education and Achievements
Charlie's educational background forms a solid foundation for his illustrious career. He is an alumnus of Siena College, where he obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. To further enhance his expertise, he attended the Executive Program in Management at the prestigious UCLA Anderson School of Management. This blend of rigorous academic training and practical application has equipped him to navigate complex financial landscapes with skill and precision.
His extensive and diverse career trajectory includes various high-profile finance positions both in California and New York. Most recently, he was employed as the Chief Financial Officer at Pharsight Corporation, where he played a critical role in financial oversight and strategy. His previous experience also includes key positions as Corporate Controller at ZLand.com and Methodology Services Controller and Finance Director at Cadence Design Systems. Additionally, he held numerous financial management roles at the globally recognized technology company, IBM.
Charlie's in-depth experience across various fields, including but not limited to, healthcare, technology, and sports management, exposes him to a wide array of financial challenges and opportunities, thereby enhancing his adaptability and innovative problem-solving skills.
Achievements
Charlie's achievements reflect his dedication, expertise, and ability to create impactful financial strategies across diverse sectors. He has a proven track record of driving efficiency and maximizing financial performance while simultaneously building strong relationships that foster collaboration and engagement.
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Vice President and CFO at San Jose State University: His leadership ensures the university's financial health and strategic objectives are met, streamlining operations and enhancing stakeholder engagement.
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CEO at Friends of the US Pavilion Expo Milano 2015: Guided a landmark global initiative that showcased American innovation in food security, earning international recognition and fostering goodwill.
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Executive Vice President and CFO at Sharks Sports & Entertainment: Played a pivotal role in financial compliance and strategic growth, greatly impacting the landscape of sports entertainment.
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Award Recipient: Honored as "CFO of the Year" by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, he became a recognized leader within the financial community for his contributions to the sector.
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Board Member: Besides operational roles, he has actively participated in guiding strategic decisions in various boards, notably with the Sharks Foundation and later with Explosion Entertainment, enhancing his leadership impact across industries.
Through a combination of his impressive educational background, extensive professional experience, and a continuous drive for improvement, Charlie Faas stands as a testament to what is achievable in the realms of finance and organizational leadership; a seasoned professional whose contributions continue to resonate in the industries he serves.
