Christine Horvath - Strategic Financial Leader
Hello! I'm Christine Horvath
About Me
I’m a strategic financial leader who believes that numbers tell a story and that the story should align with an organization’s mission and values.
For years, I thrived in the world of finance and operations, driving strategy, optimizing systems, and helping organizations grow. But over time, I realized something was missing: a deeper connection between the work I was doing and the impact it could have.
That awareness reshaped my career. I became more intentional about aligning my skills with missions I believe in, whether in the nonprofit space or with purpose-driven companies committed to creating positive change. It hasn’t always been a straight path, but it’s been the most rewarding one.
Empowering Mission-Driven Organizations
Through Strategic Financial Leadership
Christine Horvath
Strategic Financial Leader
Email:
LinkedIn:
Location:
Tucson, AZ
Phone:
EXPERIENCE - THE PATH I HAVE TAKEN
01/2026 - Present
Head of Finance
NOIRLab, Tucson, AZ
At NOIRLab, I provide strategic leadership in support of its mission to enable and share breakthrough discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics. I am responsible for financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, and operational oversight, while partnering with senior leadership to ensure long-term sustainability, stewardship of public and philanthropic funds, and alignment between mission and resources.
09/2017 - 12/2024
Chief Financial Officer /
Executive Vice President of Operations
Western National Parks Association, Tucson, AZ
At WNPA, I led finance, operations, HR, and IT strategies for a $30M nonprofit supporting 72 national parks. This role was more than numbers; it was about preserving natural treasures and enhancing visitor experiences. By boosting net income by 500% and cash reserves by 204%, we ensured the organization's sustainability and growth.
03/2016 - 09/2017
Chief Financial Officer
Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, Tucson, AZ
As CFO, I directed financial strategy for an orthopaedic group with 52 providers. Collaborating closely with medical professionals, we launched an emergency clinic and diversified revenue streams, enhancing patient care and organizational resilience.
04/2015 - 03/2016
Vice President
Finance & Internal Operations
BroadPath, Tucson, AZ
At BroadPath, a $380M healthcare BPO, I led finance and internal operations, ensuring compliance with all healthcare, federal, state, and local regulations. This experience honed my ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining operational efficiency.
07/2014 - 04/2015
Director of Finance
Miraval Resorts, Tucson, AZ
Managed accounting operations during the acquisition of a premier destination resort, I learned the intricacies of aligning financial practices with brand integrity and guest satisfaction.
04/2001 - 04/2014
Vice President /
Chief Compliance Officer
Pavilion Advisory Group, Inc., Chicago, IL
Over 13 years, I steered finance, compliance, HR, and operations for a $31B investment advisory firm. Building a gold-standard compliance program with zero audit findings taught me the value of diligence and integrity in financial stewardship.
EXPERTISE
Strategic Leadership & Governance
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Organizational Strategy & Execution
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Board & Stakeholder Engagement
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Mission Alignment & Impact Measurement
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Change Management & Cross-Functional Leadership
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Team Development & Talent Optimization
Financial Strategy & Nonprofit Accounting
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Budgeting, Forecasting & Multi-Year Planning
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Cash Flow, Reserves & Investment Management
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Financial Reporting (GAAP & Nonprofit Standards)
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Audit Readiness & Internal Controls
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Grant & Donor Financial Reporting
Risk Management & Compliance
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Regulatory & Tax Compliance
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Enterprise Risk Management
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Legal & Ethical Governance
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Policy Development & Oversight
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Contract Review & Negotiation
Technology & Data-Driven Decision Making
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ERP & Financial System Implementation
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Financial & Predictive Analytics
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KPI Dashboards & Business Intelligence
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Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation
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IT Infrastructure Modernization
Operations, HR, & Organizational Culture
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HRIS & Benefits Administration
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DEI Integration in Organizational Planning
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Organizational Design & Workforce Strategy
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Employee Lifecycle: Onboarding to Offboarding
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Remote & Hybrid Team Leadership
CORE SKILLS
Financial Planning & Analysis
Budgeting & Forecasting
Strategic Financial Management
Leadership & Collaboration
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Predictive Financial Modeling
Financial Reporting & Compliance
Project Management
EDUCATION
DePaul University - Chicago, IL
Kellstadt Graduate School of Business
Master of Business Administration
Graduate with Distinction
MBA with a focus on business management, building advanced skills in financial management and strategic leadership.
Winona State University - Winona, MN
Bachelor of Science
Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in finance and accounting building a strong foundation in accounting principles and core business operations.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Fraud Examiner
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Certified Internal Controls Auditor
The Institute for Internal Controls
CFA Institute
Investment Foundations Certificate
Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional
Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics
BOARD & ADVISORY ENGAGEMENT
I serve in governance and advisory roles for nonprofit organizations focused on community, health, conservation, and public benefit. In these roles, I support financial oversight, risk management, and strategic decision-making, partnering with leadership teams to ensure accountability and mission alignment.
I view board and advisory work as an extension of stewardship — contributing financial expertise, ethical judgment, and collaborative leadership in service of long-term impact.
Perimeter Bicycling Association of America
Board of Directors, Treasurer
07/2023 - Present
Cascade Foundation of Southern Arizona
Board of Directors, Treasurer
07/2016 - Present